Cristiano Ronaldo expected to end Saudi strike against Al-Ittihad

Senior Saudi football officials are expecting Cristiano Ronaldo to return to action for Al-Nassr against Al Ittihad on Friday after his recent absence.

The Portugal forward has not played since missing Monday’s Saudi Pro League win over Al Riyadh, amid reports of dissatisfaction over Al Nassr’s financial backing compared to rival clubs.

Ronaldo is understood to have concerns that Al Nassr are not receiving the same level of support as fellow Public Investment Fund-owned sides Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.

He is said to have been frustrated by the club’s lack of activity during the January transfer window.

Officials are hopeful the 40-year-old has now made his point and will feature in Friday’s fixture, which could see Al Nassr move top of the Saudi Pro League. While his involvement has not been confirmed, Ronaldo is contractually obliged to play unless injured.

Sources have expressed surprise at Ronaldo’s discontent, given his reported earnings of around £500,000 per day. He has 18 months remaining on his contract, which includes a £43m release clause, despite his 41st birthday approaching this week.

Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s matchday squad against Al Riyadh, and the club’s official social media channels have not featured him since Sunday, although Saudi officials believe he has remained in Riyadh despite reports suggesting he travelled to Portugal.

The forward is believed to be unhappy that Al Hilal have strengthened by signing Karim Benzema, while Al Nassr’s only January addition was young Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem. Ronaldo is keen to win the Saudi Pro League title for the first time and wanted greater ambition from the club during the window.

Al Hilal currently lead Al-Nassr by one point at the top of the table, intensifying the significance of Friday’s meeting with Al Ittihad.