Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr handed injury boost as key man likely to be available for Saudi Super Cup semi-final: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have received a boost as they prepare for their Saudi Super Cup semi-final, with striker Anderson Talisca set to be available. The Knights of Najd will be in the hunt for a first piece of silverware this season.
Al-Nassr have been without captain and talismanic forward Cristiano Ronaldo throughout pre-season following his participation in the Euros this summer. The 39-year-old managed just one assist for Portugal in the tournament, missing a penalty against Slovenia in the Round of 16.
Anderson, meanwhile, has also been a huge miss for the Saudi giants after he picked up a thigh injury in March, which kept him out for most of the second half of the 2023-24 season. The former Besiktas man had 25 goals and four assists in only 25 games for the Knights of Najd before his season-ending injury.
Talisca has been on the mend since then, and a club source on X has now reported that the 30-year-old is set to return in time for the semi-final with Al-Taawoun on Wednesday (August 14).
Al-Nassr missed Talisca last season as Ronaldo was left without a great deal of support in attack. The Portuguese great scored 44 goals across competitions in the 2023-24 season, but they failed to win a trophy.
Luis Castro's side have been poor in pre-season, losing to Granada, FC Porto and Portimonense in Europe. They kick off their Saudi Pro League campaign against Al-Raed on August 22.
Cristiano Ronaldo set to return for Al-Nassr in Super Cup semi-final
Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to return to action for Al-Nassr when they face Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Super Cup on Wednesday. The former Manchester United man spent the summer on international duty.
Al-Nassr lost to eventual winners Al-Hilal 2-1 in the semi-final of the Super Cup last season. Holders Al-Hilal face Al-Ahli in the other semi-final for a berth in the title match.
Ronaldo enjoyed a record-breaking season for his side last season, breaking the record for most goals in a Saudi Pro League season with 35 strikes. The forward has resumed training with the side and is in line to feature against Al-Taawoun on Wednesday.