Amid growing speculation on social media about Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in Iran for Al Nassr's AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal, head coach Stefano Pioli addressed whether the Portuguese star will be available for the match.

The truth behind Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League clash has emerged amid false claims about an incident that happened in 2023. Al Nassr will face Iranian side Esteghlal in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League on Monday, just three days falling to a 2-1 defeat against Al Orobah.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from Al Nassr’s matchday squad against Esteghlal for the first-leg of their AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 clash.

Esteghlal and Al Nassr square off in a pivotal Round of 16 match tonight. Will Cristiano Ronaldo take part as the ACL Elite heats up?

Esteghlal face Al Nassr for the first leg of the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League round of 16. Find out here the kickoff times and full broadcast details, including TV and streaming options available in the USA.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 25 goals in all competitions for Al-Nassr this season, but Stefano Pioli's team are well adrift of Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League title race

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League. Even in the AFC Champions League Elite he remains at the top of his form.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not travelled to Tehran with the Al-Nassr squad after the Portugal icon was left out of their matchday squad that will face Esteghlal in the first leg of their AFC Champions League last-16 fixture.