Esperance head coach Pablo Franco has made a final decision on Lucas Costa Ribeiro ahead of the club’s crucial CAF Champions League encounter against Al-Suwaihli, following the player’s absence from the first leg last week.

Ribeiro missed the opening encounter between the two sides, raising questions about his availability for the return fixture. With Esperance facing a decisive test in their bid to progress in the continental competition, attention has turned to whether the Brazilian forward will be involved in the upcoming match.

Franco’s decision on the player is expected to be significant for Esperance as they prepare for a game that could determine their Champions League ambitions. The Tunisian giants will be eager to produce a strong performance against their Libyan opponents and secure the result needed to advance to the next stage.

Ribeiro’s situation has attracted attention because of the importance of the fixture and the need for Esperance to have their available attacking options ready. His absence from the first leg meant the technical team had to prepare for the encounter without him, making his status ahead of the return match an important talking point.

Esperance will also be aware that matches at this stage of the CAF Champions League leave little room for mistakes. The team must approach the contest with concentration and discipline, particularly as they look to overcome the challenge posed by Al-Suwaihli.

For Franco, the priority will be to select a squad capable of delivering the required result. His decision regarding Ribeiro will form part of the preparations as Esperance seek to make the most of their opportunity in the competition.

Al-Suwaihli, meanwhile, will be determined to make life difficult for the Tunisian side and strengthen their own chances of progressing. Both teams understand the importance of the encounter, with the outcome carrying significant consequences for their continental campaigns.

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