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Why Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ronaldo missing Al-Nassr fixture</li><li>Superstar was sent off last time out</li><li>Currently serving two-match ban</li></ul>

Explained: Why Cristiano Ronaldo isn't playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League

Saudi Pro League

Al-Fayha

Al Ahli

Al Nassr FC

Al Qadasiya

Ronaldo was a notable absentee from the Al-Nassr squad for Friday's Saudi Pro League match. The Portuguese superstar has been sidelined <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-cristiano-ronaldo-rages-referee-al-nassr-goal-disallowed-offside/blt7b679f9f2d3e0d8c" target="_blank">after his red card for an elbow last time out</a> against league leaders Al-Hilal. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-al-nassr-manager-luis-castro-forced-take-break-medical-advice/bltb37eafb61b4e1f2b" target="_blank">Al-Nassr are also without coach Luis Castro</a> for Friday's fixture as he's been forced to take a break on medical advice.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo has been central to Nassr's form this season, enjoying an incredible campaign in which he has scored 36 goals in 37 games in all competitions; he has also registered 12 assists, so his absence is sure to be keenly felt. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-to-miss-al-nassr-games-punishment-elbowing-al-hilal-star-saudi-super-cup-defeat/bltbc6da2bffad60d54#csdf0cc72779216992" target="_blank">However, his elbow in the Saudi Super Cup against Al-Hilal has led to a two-match ban</a>, meaning he will also miss next weekend's clash with Al-Khaleej.

THE BIGGER PICTURE 

Ronaldo is unlikely to be tasting domestic glory this season as Nassr are currently 12 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal. Nassr have lost five games this season; Hilal, by comparison, are unbeaten.

DID YOU KNOW?

Once Ronaldo's suspension is served, he will be back on the pitch, likely beginning on May 1, when Nassr play Khaleej again, this time in a King Cup of Champions semi-final.

WHAT NEXT?

Explained: Why Cristiano Ronaldo isn't playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League | Goal.com Malaysia

Cristiano Ronaldo is not part of the squad for Al-Nassr&apos;s Saudi Pro League clash against Al Feiha on Friday due to suspension.

Explained: Why Cristiano Ronaldo isn&apos;t playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League