Ronaldo again absent for Al Nassr game but pictured training in Riyadh
Cristiano Ronaldo was again absent from the Al Nassr squad for their AFC Champions League Two clash at Arkadag in Turkmenistan, but was pictured training in Riyadh.
The Portugal captain is believed to be upset by his clubs lack of January transfer business.
The 41-year-old has missed the last two Saudi Pro League games, against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad, with fans expressing their solidarity raising yellow signs featuring Ronaldos name and number seven in the seventh minute at Al-Awwal Park on Friday.
While not included in the matchday line-up for the last-16 first leg against Arkadag, Ronaldo was pictured training with other players back in Riyadh in a post on Al Nassrs social media accounts on Wednesday morning.
Ronaldo is reported to be unhappy with the Saudi Public Investment Fund for failing to invest in the team in the winter window, while rivals Al Hilal also 75 per cent majority-owned by the PIF brought in his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
The Saudi Pro League has warned Ronaldo that no individual however significant determines decisions beyond their own club.
Al Nassrs next league match is on Saturday at Al Fateh.
'Frank sacking due to threat of relegation - Spurs would lose millions'
Your Site News Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:
One of the main reasons [why Frank was sacked now] is the supporters and their reaction to Thomas Frank. The vast vast majority of Tottenham supporters for a pretty long time have come to the conclusion that Thomas Frank was the wrong guy for the job.
We've seen that and their reaction to him at the end of games when he's gone over to try and thank them for their support. They are just not having him and the whole situation has become very, very toxic.
And the reason they've decided to do it now is they've got a small window of opportunity until their next game. They're not in the FA Cup. Their next game is not this weekend, but the following weekend against Arsenal.
So it gives them a tiny bit of breathing space to bring somebody in.
But the main reason they've acted is the threat of relegation, because we know that Tottenham have one of the biggest debts in world football that is tied to their magnificent new stadium.
Imagine what would happen to their finances if they were relegated? I mean the shock would be incredible on and off the pitch.
We're talking potentially about Spurs losing hundreds of millions of pounds and that is another reason why they've decided to act.
De Zerbi, Glasner or back to Poch? Where will Spurs turn after Frank sacking?
Tottenham are looking for a sixth permanent manager in seven years after sacking Thomas Frank - who will they turn to next?
Who should be Spurs next permanent manager?
What went wrong for Frank at Spurs?
Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after eight months in charge.
The Dane leaves with Spurs 16th in the Premier League table and just five points above the relegation zone.
What went wrong for the former Brentford boss?
Which managers suit Spurs?
From top four to trapdoor? Spurs' relegation threat is real
There is a clear trajectory when assessing the probability of Tottenham being relegated this season. And right now, despite the sacking of head coach Thomas Frank, it's never been more likely.
Turning to the betting markets at times like this are always a reliable pointer. They have a habit of cutting through noise and sentiment. They don't deal in romance or reputation.
They deal in cold, hard probability. And right now, they are sending a shiver down the white half of north London.
'Results and performances have led to decision to change'
Tottenham's statement on sacking Thomas Frank:
The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Mens Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.
Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.
However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.
Throughout his time at The Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.
What are Tottenham's next five games?
- February 22 - Tottenham vs Arsenal, 4.30pm - live on Sky
- March 1 - Fulham vs Tottenham, 2pm -live on Sky
- March 5 - Tottenham vs Crystal Palace, 8pm
- March 15 - Liverpool vs Tottenham, 4.30pm - live on Sky
- March 22 - Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest, 2.15pm - live on Sky
BREAKING: Frank sacked by Spurs
Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham, Your Site News understands.
Frank's dismissal comes after the Spurs fans booed him and chanted for his sacking following Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at home.
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Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League table, five points above the drop zone, and have won just twice in their last 17 league games.
