Exciting times have started for one of the biggest sports fan bases in the world. Their icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, will commence his mission to take Al Nassr to their first-ever AFC Champions League triumph. But, the mission can prove heavy for the Portuguese captain if he goes alone, as he requires a few high-quality players to assist him during this critical phase. However, the Al Nasar squad has received an enormous blow with an injury to its critical player, Anderson Talisca.

With regular additions and exclusions to the squad, Al Nassr has already suffered a substantial player crunch sometimes. And now, Talisca suffered an anterior tendon injury, as reports suggest. But on a positive note, reports claim that another player, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, is fit.

The Riyadh-based club will take on Al Ain in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League quarterfinals today. Earlier, their captain was penalized for a game by the Saudi Pro League’s disciplinary committee after they felt he offended Al Shabab’s fans with unwanted gestures. But it was Talisca who came to their rescue in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, scoring a hat trick to save the match against Al Hazem in the league.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian replacement, Ghareeb, could provide relief for the Knights of Najd in case he starts. Having shown his worth already, the Saudi forward had already assisted four times in this edition of the Champions League, apart from 2 goals. After picking up tension in his anterior muscle during the team’s training sessions last month, the club ruled Ghareeb out for three weeks. But being available, would he play tonight’s game and bring results similar to Talisca?

Anderson Talisca has been a savior for Al Nassr this season. Notching up an impressive 25 goals and four assists this season. Notably, 6 of them have come in the continental trophy. His two goals in the qualifiers were the reason why the club could make it to the tournament this season. This impressive form even led Luis Castro to prefer him over Sadio Mane for the upcoming clash. Yet, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the keys to unlock the defense!

READ MORE – Rejected Cristiano Ronaldo for Burnley, Vincent Kompany Reflects on Gritty Battles in Man Utd-Man City Diaries

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the key for Al Nassr against Al Ain

Marcelo Brozovic and Sadio Mane, who were out of today’s game versus Al Ain, are reportedly called up once again. But it will still make Cristiano Ronaldo their go-to man to handle the attack. The 2016 Euro winner started 2024 with four goals in four games and led the club in yellow to the quarterfinals.

READ MORE – Lionel Messi Reclaims Throne, Surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo in Inter Miami’s Dominant 5–0 Derby Win

Trending

Jurgen Klopp’s Ex Wife: Meet Sabine Klopp, Liverpool Boss’ Spouse Before Divorce in 2001

Jurgen Klopp’s Son: Meet Ex-Borussia Dortmund Star Marc Klopp, Now a Businessman

Putting Rivalry Aside, Serena Williams Lauds ‘Cousin’ Lynn Williams Breaking NWSL’s All-Time Scoring Record

Pep Guardiola’s Net Worth in 2024: How Much Does the Manchester City Boss Earn From Salary, Endorsements & More

Ditching Manchester City, Rio Ferdinand Ready to ‘Dry’ Arsenal’s Tears Despite Wanting Mikel Arteta to End Pep Guardiola’s PL Hopes

The last time these two teams met was in the 2020 group stage, and they won a game each. Nonetheless, Luis Castro’s side is a much stronger unit this time and will go in as favorites. And it would be interesting to see how the former Real Madrid star faces such a challenge on a different continent.