The African champions will have to play without Mane in their first few World Cup games.
Senegal football federation has confirmed Sadio Mane will not be able to start the World Cup with Senegal.
Mane suffered an untimely injury in Bayern Munich‘s win over Werder Bremen on November 8. Initial scans showed Mane might have a chance to return in time for the World Cup.
Senegal have, nonetheless, included the Ballon d’Or runner-up in their squad for the tournament. But his playing chances are slim ahead of the Black Stars’ World Cup opener against Netherlands.
“We will have to rely on playing the first games without Sadio and win without Sadio because we have 25 players apart from Sadio,” said Senegal federation board member Abdoulaye Sow.
“No one would have wanted it, but that’s what’s happened to us.”
Mane will most likely miss Senegal’s second match against Qatar as well. A crucial match against Ecuador in the final round will most likely see Mane return to action for the national team.
The Bayern star’s absence will be a significant blow to Senegal’s hopes of qualifying for the knock-out round.
The likes of Bulaye Dia and Nicolas Jackson might get a chance to play in Mane’s place, while Ismaila Sarr might change his position to play as a left winger.
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