Cristiano Ronaldo dropped from Al-Nassr squad? Here's why

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the biggest star in Saudi Arabia football but this sudden development has sent shockwaves among the football community in the country. In one of the King's Cup' most important clashes, Ronaldo has suddenly been dropped from the squad, for unverified reasons. However, the chatter around this sudden benching of the player is claimed by reports that the manager wants the Portugal striker to get some rest ahead of more important clashes ahead.

Ronaldo out of matchday squad against Al Hazem

Cristiano Ronaldo was pushed out of the playing squad against Al Hazem which was rather surprising but later, anxious thoughts were put to rest after the team breezed past their opponent. However, the question still lingered on as to why the Portuguese star was shunted aside in this particular game.

Why was Ronaldo kept away from the game?

According to a Goal.com report, team boss Pioli kept Ronaldo on the bench during this game so that he could rest and recover to his ultimate form in some of the upcoming crucial matches in the Saudi Pro League and also the upcoming AFC Champions fixture, where Al-Nassr would be looking at some back-to-back victories. For this, Pioli should have Ronaldo at his best and at a peak of his form, and since the match against Al Hazem, which is a second-tier team, was less crucial in comparison top the next games, Ronaldo was urged to rest by the team boss.

Fitness is the key for Ronaldo now

Ronaldo has been facing some major injury scares over the past few months, and for