Al Nassr's head coach has explained why he did not name Cristiano Ronaldo in his latest AFC Champions League squad.
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The 38-year-old went down clutching his neck during his side's 0-0 draw with Persepolis in the continental competition last week, but rushed back to be available for Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League clash against Al Hilal this past Friday.
Ronaldo, however, was unable to impact that game as the Knights of Najd suffered a 3-0 league defeat to fall seven points behind their rivals.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has subsequently been left out of Al Nassr's travelling squad to take on FC Istiklol on Tuesday evening.
"When I am a fan, I hope to watch Ronaldo play, but as a coach it is very difficult for me to sacrifice the participation of a player who is not ready, especially since we have qualified for the next round," head coach Luis Castro said, according to Arabic CNN.
"I understand the many questions about Cristiano not attending, and I am sure that he wants to be here with us today, but this is due to the coach's choices, and the desire to rotate, keep the players and rest them.
"We are playing on several fronts and tournaments. We attended the matches here with a high level of enthusiasm, as we play every three days. Our match is important, with all our respect for the opponent, and we want to achieve victory to confirm the lead in the group."
Al Nassr are on 13 points after five matches, with Persepolis in second place on eight points.
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Ronaldo has scored three goals and assisted one further strike in four appearances in the competition this season.
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