Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Al Nassr training amid Portugal tension

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to collective training with Al Nassr, taking part in Monday evening’s session for the first time since the current international break began.

The Al Nassr captain played once for Portugal during the break before unexpectedly leaving the national team camp following tension with his compatriot Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo, a longstanding star of the Portugal national team, featured against Wales in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League. He was an unused substitute for the second match against Norway before departing the squad.

His exit followed media comments made by Jesus, who is currently Portugal manager and previously coached Al Nassr, concerning Ronaldo’s role.

Al Nassr are preparing to face Al Diriyah on Friday in the eighth round of the Saudi League.

Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah reported that winger Ayman Yahya also trained with his team-mates after recovering from a groin injury suffered last month.

Five players from the under-21 squad have continued to train with the first team to cover the shortage caused by international call-ups. They are Sultan Almas, Abdulhadi Alwan, Awad Aman, Saad Haqwi and Abdulrahman Sufiani.

Al Nassr, the defending champions, are second in the league table with 16 points from seven matches.