Senegal handed massive AFCON blow as Tottenham star leaves pitch in tears

Pepe Matar Sarr left the pitch minutes after scoring his side’s opening goal against Bournemouth.

Pepe Matar Sarr could miss Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign after sustaining a serious injury in Tottenham’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.

Matar Sarr has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign under Ange Postecoglou, securing a regular spot in Spurs’ starting lineup. The Senegalese midfielder put his side ahead against Bournemouth with a brilliant low shot in the ninth minute but had to leave the pitch after sustaining an injury later in the first half.

Sarr limped off the pitch after picking up what seemed like a knee injury against Bournemouth. The midfielder was in tears when Spurs captain Son Heung-Min and Postecoglou consoled him. He was replaced by Olivier Skipp in Tottenham’s midfield line.

The injury could rule Matar Sarr out of the upcoming AFCON, where he was set to play for defending champions Senegal. Having already made 14 caps for the Lions of Teranga, Sarr was expected to continue his partnership with Idrissa Gueye at the heart of Senegal’s midfield line.

Senegal will compete against Gambia, Cameroon and Guinea in Group C of the AFCON. Sadio Mane and co will star the tournament with a match against Gambia on January 15.