CRISTIANO RONALDO is expected to return to action for Al-Nassr on Friday – days after going on STRIKE.
The Portuguese superstar, 40, has been furious with his side’s financial backing compared to other sides run by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
And that resulted in Ronaldo refusing to be involved in Al-Nassr’s win over Al-Riyadh earlier this week.
The lethal finisher has been considering his future because of being incensed by the situation.
But Sky Sports report that senior officials are confident that Ronaldo will end his strike and play against Al-Ittihad.
Al-Nassr are shocked that the Manchester United legend is unhappy and are desperate for him to come back into the fray.
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The Riyadh-based big spenders are just one point adrift of Saudi Pro League table-toppers Al-Hilal.
And they are hopeful of Ronaldo spearheading them to the title after enjoying a goal-laden season so far.
He has notched 18 goals in 22 appearances – failing to score in just four domestic showdowns.
But Ronaldo was irate when Haydeer Abdulkareem, 21, was Al-Nassr’s only signing of the mid-season transfer window despite chief Jorge Jesus pleading for further reinforcements.
He was certain that favouritism had been shown to rival clubs – leading to him deciding to take action.
Al-Hilal were given the green light to land ex-Arsenal defender Pablo Mari from Fiorentina, along with Kader Meite and Saimon Bouabre in swoops worth £26million each.
Suitors will have to splash the cash if they want to hand Ronaldo a surprise exit route.
It is understood that there is a £43m release clause written into the two-year deal he signed last summer.
Uncertainty over Ronaldo’s future has come a matter of months before he heads to the World Cup.
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