Esperance de Tunis has received a significant boost before their vital CAF Champions League second-leg match against Al-Suwaihli, as Brazilian forward Lucas Costa Ribeiro is back after recovering from an injury.

Head coach Pablo Franco can now include Ribeiro in the lineup for this critical match, after he missed the first leg in Libya due to an adductor muscle issue. His absence raised concerns for the Tunisian team, who lost 1-0 and now must overcome this deficit to keep their group stage hopes alive.

Reports from Tunisia suggest Ribeiro has fully recovered and is back in training with the squad, allowing him to be considered for selection. His return is timely for Esperance, who need a strong offensive effort to beat their opponents. Ribeiro's versatility as a winger or attacking midfielder could provide Franco with extra tactical options to penetrate Al-Suwaihli's defense.

Esperance is also looking to capitalize on their home advantage at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, with the second leg set for Saturday, October 24. The Tunisian side must secure a win by at least two goals to qualify directly; a one-goal victory would result in a tie on aggregate and a penalty shootout. Conversely, Al-Suwaihli will aim to maintain their lead and advance.

Franco and his players face the pressure to perform, especially after their lackluster display in the first match. Esperance needs to create more scoring chances, stay solid defensively, and avoid conceding another goal, which would complicate their situation.

While Ribeiro's insertion into the starting lineup will depend on the coach's final tactical choices, his availability is promising for fans ahead of a match that could shape the team's continental journey. With qualification on the line, Esperance will be counting on Ribeiro to make a substantial impact as they strive to overcome the deficit from the first leg and advance in the CAF Champions League.

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