Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr exclude 28-year-old foreigner from squad to face Al-Duhail to call-up Anderson Talisca: Reports 

According to football journalist Ali Al-Harbi, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have opted to exclude summer signing Seko Fofana from the matchday squad to face Al-Duhail for Anderson Talisca.

The Knights of Najd face Al-Duhail in the AFC Champions League at home later today (October 24). As per the competition's rules, Luis Castro can only name five foreign players in the matchday squad to take part in the clash.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Aymeric Laporte have cemented their spots in the starting XI. With Al-Nassr midfielder Marcelo Brozovic missing out due to injury, the last spot was up for grabs.

Seko Fofana, who joined the Riyadh-based outfit this summer from Lens, has reportedly been dropped from the AFC Champions League squad. Despite scoring one goal in seven appearances this season, the 28-year-old hasn't quite been able to fully break into Al-Nassr's starting XI.

Al-Harbi tweeted (via @alharbi_44 on X):

"News: Luis Castro decides at the last minute and excludes Seko Fofana from facing Al-Duhail tomorrow, replacing him with Anderson Talisca."

"Foreigners: Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Otavio, [Anderson] Talisca, [Aymeric] Laporte"

Castro's alleged decision makes sense as Talisca has been in scintillating form this season for Al-Nassr. The Brazilian has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in nine appearances across all competitions and will almost certainly be a threat against Al-Duhail on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will be aiming to continue their dominant start in the AFC Champions League. They are currently top of Group E with six points, having won both their games so far.

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Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman

Al-Nassr ace Cristiano Ronaldo recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman to announce an exciting collaboration. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was part of a panel in Riyadh to announce the launch of the first Esports World Cup in 2024, which is set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo posted on X (formerly Twitter):

"An honour to meet again with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman and great to be part of this panel today discussing the future of esports and the launch of the first ever #esportsworldcup that will be held in Saudi Arabia next year!"

The Esports World Cup is set to be an annual event featuring competitive tournaments from the most popular video games around the world. It is also expected to have the largest prize pot in Esports history (via GOAL).

Saudi Arabia are stepping up their bid to become a key player in the world of sport over the coming years. In addition, they have shown interest in hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.