Brazilian striker Anderson Talisca, a key player for Al-Nassr is first football team, is set to be sidelined for approximately seven weeks following a muscle injury sustained during training.
Medical examinations have revealed that Talisca suffered a tear in his anterior muscle, ruling him out of action for a significant period.
This setback means Talisca will miss crucial fixtures, including the second leg of the AFC Champions League quarter-final against Al-Ain, as well as five Saudi Professional League matches, among which is a highly anticipated clash against Al Ahli. Additionally, Talisca’s absence extends to the Saudi Super Cup scheduled for April.
The injury occurred during preparations for the 2023 AFC Champions League quarter-final encounter against Al Ain, prompting coach Luis Castro to call up Sadio Mané as a replacement.
Upon the team’s return to Riyadh, Talisca opted for immediate medical tests and declined to remain with the team, signaling the severity of his injury.
The flight from Riyadh saw six foreign players, including Talisca, Aziz Behich, Emirati Laporte, and Portuguese duo Otavio Monteiro and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. At the same time, Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Alex Telles remained in Riyadh.
The absence of Talisca, known for his impactful presence on the field, poses a significant challenge for Al-Nassr as they navigate through crucial fixtures in both domestic and continental competitions.
