This is because head coach, Ange Postecoglou wants to rotate his side.

The decision also comes amid wider security concerns in the region.

Al Nassr will take on Pakhtakor on Monday in Tashkent without Ronaldo.

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick last week in the Saudi Pro League, taking his remarkable career tally to 985 goals for club and country.

However, Postecoglou has prioritised player welfare amid a demanding schedule.

Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan have also been omitted from the travelling squad for the crucial continental clash in Uzbekistan.