The soccer fraternity has circled tomorrow’s date on their calendars. The impending ‘Last Dance’ between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, where Inter Miami faces Al Nassr, has been keeping everyone on pins and needles. With the fixture drawing near, new developments continue to take place, with questions being asked regarding the presence of Sadio Mane, who will reportedly miss the much-anticipated Riyadh Season Cup. 

The 31-year-old, who just came back from international duty, had earlier taken official leave from Luis Castro to unite with Senegal for the ongoing African Cup of Nations. However, just hours ago, the winger’s journey in the tournament ended prematurely. The Lions of Teranga were defeated by Ivory Coast on penalties, as the match went to extra time in the RO16 after a 1-1 scoreline. While Sadio Mane’s exit from the international tourney suggests he is available for some domestic action, however, not so soon! As per the reports, before joining CR7 and Co., he is expected to take a brief vacation. However, he’s not alone.

Sadio Mane’s other Senegal teammates- Al Hilal’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Al Ahli’s Edouard Mendy, will also return to their clubs after vacation. This might let them freshen their minds before kicking off for the remainder of the season. He would then return to Al Nassr’s training camp before February 14th, where the Knights of the Najd will be playing their AFC Champions League RO16’s first leg against Al Feiha. His absence raises queries about the availability of other Al Nassr stars for tomorrow’s game. 

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Demand Another Friendly Before Facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Riyadh Season Cup

Which other teammates of Sadio Mane will miss the game against Inter Miami? 

The biggest probable absence that the soccer world is still not ready to accept is that of Al Nassr skipper Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar was earlier sidelined due to a calf injury, which even led to the postponement of the club’s China tour against Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang. Now, it’s unlikely that he will be ready to face his former arch-rival Messi tomorrow. 

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Although previous reports had declared CR7 fit, he is now even more likely to miss the next Riyadh Season Cup match against Al Hilal. Additionally, the potential loan transfer of center-back Abdullah Madu and star midfielder Seko Fofana to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq also suggests that Al Nassr will be dealing with a whole lot of unexpected absentees.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

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