It has been reported that Sadio Mane will miss the World Cup after failing to recover from injury in time.
Mane was included in Aliou Cisse’s 26-man squad despite picking up an injury during Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win over Werder Bremen earlier on in the month.
After the match, Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann said: “He took a knock to the head of his tibia. It's always uncomfortable. He has to have an X-ray. I hope nothing is wrong.
“I didn't see him after the game, I hope it's not a big injury. But I don't know at the moment. We'll see tomorrow and then give an update.”
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Whilst assistant coach Dino Toppmoller added: “Sadio Mané was hit on the leg, which caused him a little nerve pain.
“Nothing too serious and his participation in the World Cup should not be in jeopardy.”
FIFA’s secretary general, Fatma Samoura said last week that her country will do everything to give Mane every possible chance to play.
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She said to Europe 1: “We are going to use witch doctors. I don't know (if they're effective) but in this instance, we're going to use them anyway. We are hoping for miracles. He has to be there!”
However, it looks like the tournament in Qatar will come too soon for Mane.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “BREAKING: Sadio Mané will miss the World Cup, Senegal confirms. He will not be able to be part of the squad as he’s not recovering from his injury.”
This is a huge blow for Senegal as Mane is their star man, the man that fired them to Africa Cup of Nations glory in January. Mane also scored the winning penalty which sent Senegal into the World Cup.
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Apart from the Netherlands, Senegal will be up against Ecuador and host nations Qatar.
Topics: Sadio Mane, Bayern Munich, Senegal, Football World Cup
Marcus Chan