What a blow for Senegal!!!
Senegal and Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane is officially out of World Cup 2022. Mane was doubtful to feature in a couple of early matches in the Qatar World Cup when Senegal included him in the 26-man squad, however, on Thursday, 17th November, it was confirmed Mane wouldn’t recover for this World Cup.
Senegal’s team doctor, Manuel Alfonso announced the breaking news in a press conference. He said,
“Unfortunately, today’s MRI shows us that the improvement is not as favorable as we imagined and unfortunately, we have to withdraw Sadio from the World Cup.”
A clip of Dr. Alfonso revealing Mane’s exit from the World Cup was later shared on Senegal’s official Twitter.
La @Fsfofficielle souhaite un prompt rétablissement à son joueur Sadio Mané, forfait pour la Coupe du monde 2022. pic.twitter.com/1Df9WrKrmt
— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) November 17, 2022
Besides, Alfonso also revealed that Mane needs to undergo surgery soon. Mane sustained an injury to his right fibula while playing for Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen on November 8, just 12 days before the World Cup kicks off.
Senegal is scheduled to play their first game of this World Cup against the Netherlands on Monday, 21st November. In the second match, they will play against the host while their last group stage match will be against Ecuador on November 29.
Losing Mane right before the World Cup is a huge blow for Senegal as the forward has been marvelous in his very first season with the German club Bayern Munich. What’s more, Mane was the one who took his team to the World Cup converting the final penalty kick in the shootout against Mo Salah’s Egypt back in March.
Who Will Replace Sadio Mane in Senegal?
After Mane was ruled out of the World Cup, there is a question circulating about who would replace him. Well, there is a possibility that Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye will get a chance to start the game. Ndiaye is a joint top scorer for Sheffield United this season with nine goals. His probability to feature in a starting 11 was slim had Mane been able to play, however, after Mane’s exit Ndiaye is the favorite to feature in the initial eleven.
