Thousands of fans had braved bad weather and long queues to get tickets for the AFC Champions League match between Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr and Qatar’s Al Duhail on November 7.

The excitement was mainly due to the presence of Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo, considered by many as one of the best players on the planet.

- عاجل :

غياب الاسطورة كريستيانو رونالدو عن لقاء الدحيل pic.twitter.com/JAaaHKL3ee

— داريو النصر (@Nfcdiario) November 6, 2023

However, it looks like fans are likely to be disappointed after reports emerged that Ronaldo, along with five other players, has been rested for the game against Duhail.

Nassr, who comfortably lead Group E with nine points from three matches, have decided to rest Ronaldo fearing injury, it has been reported. The team arrived at Doha earlier today.

Doha pic.twitter.com/Sif0WdBa1Q

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) November 6, 2023

Ronaldo, who postponed his trip home to stay with the Saudi side for their Champions League matches, has not travelled to Doha with the team, according to reports.

It is understood that Aymeric Laporte, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Nawaf Boushal, Raghed Al Najjar and Abdulaziz Al Eliwa have also been rested to avoid injury.

Al Nassr coach Luis Castro is likely to go with Sadio Mane as his main striker. Former club captain Abdullah Madu will replace Laporte, it is learnt. The team will also likely have the services of its second-top scorer Anderson Talisca.

Duhail, who are placed third in the group behind Nassr and Iran’s Persepolis FC (six points) with one point, will look to make the most of the match against the weakened Saudi side. Another loss could push them out of making it to the knockout stages.

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