Watford have agreed to release the Senegalese winger for the upcoming tournament.
Ismaila Sarr has not been able to play a single Premier League minute this season due to a knee injury. However, a surprise call from the Senegal national team put the club under pressure to release him for the AFCON.
Watford initially refused to release the player, which caused a backlash from the Senegal Football Federation. SFF accused the Premier League side of “disrespectful, pernicious and discriminatory behaviour” in a statement. Sarr might not be able to play for Senegal in the early stages of the competition. However, a new development might provide the player with a chance to participate in the knock-out stages.
According to the Athletic, Watford have released Sarr for examination by Senegal’s medical staff. Having travelled to Dakar on Tuesday, the Watford star will travel with the national team to Cameroon a day later.
Sarr is recovering from a knee ligament injury, which will most likely keep him out of action for most of the tournament. However, Senegal are hoping to secure his service as they see themselves among the favourites to win the title.
On the other hand, Sarr could be a crucial player for Watford during the second half of the season. Claudio Ranieri’s side are struggling to escape from the relegation zone as their attacking problems continue.
Watford’s statement
On Sunday, the club published a statement on Sarr’s situation.
“Ismaila Sarr suffered a knee ligament injury on November 20 in the match against Manchester United and has not been fit to play for Watford FC since that date.
“In early December, the club wrote to the Senegal Football Federation outlining the clinical diagnosis of Ismaila’s injury and immediately followed that up by supplying the MRI scans detailing the extent of the injury.
“After further consultation with medical experts, we informed the federation of Ismaila’s rehabilitation process and likely timeframe of recovery.
“Within the past 10 days, the club has reiterated to the Senegal Football Federation the player’s current medical status and recovery schedule.
“The Hornets have also invited the Senegal Football Federation to instruct their own independent surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and rehabilitation period.”
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