Anderson Talisca’s Injury Blow: Potential Season-Ending Operation Raises Concerns for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

Al Nassr has a season-defining clash against Al Ain next week. Failure to win will see the Knights of Najd crash out of the AFC Champions League. But, in the quest to turn around the tie, Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. will have to do so without star man Anderson Talisca. Described by a journalist as ‘better than Neymar’, the Brazilian attacker has been in sensational form this season. Worryingly, per recent reports, Talisca could be out for the entire season!

On his social media handle, Talisca addressed the fans, “I promise to be stronger next season.” Considering that the Saudi Pro League ends on May 27th, this means that the injury is quite serious. But how did he get injured in the first place? The Brazilian described the unfortunate event in the same video on Instagram.

He explained, “It was something very stupid and simple. I was alone and went to finish the ball in training before the match. Anyway, it’s something that even I don’t know how to explain.” Moreover, he added, “Tomorrow is the day of the operation. I will recover and let’s go.” Talisca’s absence was a key reason behind Al Nassr’s 1-0 defeat midweek.

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After feeling muscle pain in training, he was left out of the roster against Al Ain. In the said match, Al Nassr dominated the possession but was not ruthless in front of goal. Cristiano Ronaldo was marked out of the game, and the absence of the 25-goal attacker proved costly. But Talisca’s loss could be Sadio Mane’s gain.

Will Al Nassr once again opt for the devastating Cristiano Ronaldo-Sadio Mane partnership?

Big-name signing Sadio Mane was expected to be the go-to man for Luis Castro, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. But, this season has been a mixed bag for the Senegalese star and with just 13 goals in the campaign, he was largely overshadowed by Talisca. But this could be the opportunity for Mane to turn things around. His recent form has been good, having scored against Al Hazm in the league. Hence, it begs the question of whether the management will opt for a tactic that proved mighty efficient at the start of the season.

Against Al Fateh in August, the Knights of Najd faced a similar predicament. Talisca was left out of the squad and the team was spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. A goal-riot followed as Al Nassr thrashed Al Fateh 0-5. CR7 scored a hat trick while Mane had a brace. To this date, that was Mane’s best performance in the Middle East. Hence, will Luis Castro use that tactic in the do-or-die encounter against Al Ain? He might not have another option.

Can Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. defeat Al Ain without Talisca? Let us know your thoughts below.

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