Cristiano Ronaldo set to be included in Al-Nassr squad to face Al-Ittihad after missing AFC Champions League clash: Reports

Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli is reportedly set to include influential captain Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad to face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League this weekend. The Portuguese superstar was a noticeable absentee as his side suffered a shock 2-1 defeat in the AFC Champions League on Monday.

Stefano Pioli watched from the sidelines as his side conceded from a late Adam Ounas penalty to lose to Qatari side Al-Sadd in the Champions League, ending their unbeaten start to the competition. Club captain Ronaldo watched from the stands after he was excluded from the matchday squad to face the Qatari outfit.

A report from a club insider on the club's traveling party to face Al-Ittihad in Jeddah revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo has made the trip with the rest of the squad (via NFC1World on X). His availability for the game will be a great boost for the Knights of Najd after he was rested for the encounter against Al-Sadd.

With qualification for the knockout stages already secured, Pioli could take the liberty of resting his captain for the visit of Al-Sadd, leaving him fresh for the weekend's game against Al-Ittihad.

Laurent Blanc's side are currently leading the way in the Saudi top flight, two points ahead of Al-Hilal in second and eight clear of Al-Nassr in third.

Cristiano Ronaldo's importance to the Al-Nassr team can hardly be overstated, seeing as they have failed to win both games he did not feature in the Champions League this season.

With nine goals and two assists in 11 league games, he will play a key role if his side are to shock the leaders on their own patch.

Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate defends reason behind Al-Nassr switch

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate Wesley Gassova has spoken about the reason for his signing for the Saudi giants in the summer. The Brazilian teenager was signed from Corinthians for a reported fee of $25 million after emerging as one of the leading talents in the Brasileirao Serie A.

Still only 19, Wesley was watched by a number of European sides, including Chelsea and West Ham United, in the summer, as per journalist Santi Aouna. The youngster revealed the thinking behind his joining the Saudi giants on a four-year deal in an interview reported (via NFC1World on X.

"I chose Al-Nassr because it is the oldest and biggest club in Saudi Arabia," he said.

Wesley has made ten appearances for the Knights of Najd this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists for the club.