Ronaldo row and a top-of-the-table showdown as Saudi Pro League returns

The Saudi Pro League has resumed following a three-week international break. The national team achieved success in the Arabian Gulf Cup, defeating UAE 2-0 in the final held in Jeddah. However, the return of the league has been overshadowed by controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr striker. Ronaldo's troubles began during the international break when he refused to play for Portugal in a UEFA Nations League match against Norway.

Ronaldo claimed that he had been left out as a precautionary measure to manage his fitness, while the manager, Jorge Jesus, had initially agreed for him to miss the two matches to focus on his fitness. On the day of the Norway game, Jesus changed his mind and selected Ronaldo to warm up for 30 minutes. Ronaldo was then left out of the Denmark match.

He confronted Jesus, accusing him of a "breach of trust" and suggesting that the manager had broken his word. Jesus denied any agreement between the two and maintained that Ronaldo had not demanded to be played. Following the fallout, Ronaldo walked out on Portugal and left the Al Nassr team camp in Copenhagen, stating that he would return only after any suspension imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

The Al Nassr coach, Jesus, also indicated that he might reconsider Ronaldo's return. The league's top teams, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, are currently separated by two points at the top of the table.