Esperance de Tunis have received a major boost ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League return-leg encounter against Al-Suwaihli, with Brazilian attacker Lucas Costa Ribeiro available again after recovering from injury.

Head coach Pablo Franco will be able to call on Ribeiro for the decisive match after the player missed the first leg in Libya. His absence was a concern for the Tunisian giants, who suffered a 1-0 defeat and now face the challenge of overturning the deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the group stage alive.

Ribeiro had been dealing with discomfort in his adductor muscles, prompting the technical and medical staff to avoid taking risks with his fitness during the first leg. However, reports from Tunisia indicate that he has recovered and returned to training with the squad, making him available for selection.

His return comes at an important moment for Esperance, who need a strong attacking performance to overcome their opponents. The Brazilian's ability to operate as a winger or attacking midfielder could give Franco additional options as he looks to find a way through Al-Suwaihli's defence.

Esperance will also be hoping to make the most of their home advantage at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, where the second leg is scheduled for Saturday, October 24.

The Tunisian side must win by at least two goals to secure qualification directly. A victory by a single goal would leave the aggregate score level and send the contest to a penalty shootout. Al-Suwaihli, meanwhile, will aim to protect their advantage and secure progression to the next stage.

The pressure will be on Franco and his players to deliver, especially after their disappointing performance in the opening encounter. Esperance will need to create more scoring opportunities, remain disciplined defensively and avoid conceding another goal that could complicate their task.

Ribeiro's return offers the coaching staff another attacking option, although his inclusion in the starting lineup will depend on the coach's final tactical decision.

For Esperance supporters, his availability is encouraging news ahead of a match that could determine the direction of their continental campaign.

With qualification at stake, the Tunisian giants will be hoping Ribeiro can make a meaningful contribution as they attempt to overturn the first-leg defeat and keep their CAF Champions League ambitions alive.

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