WORLD CUP QATAR 2022: Senegal to pick Mane despite fitness concerns as Cisse names squad today
According to numerous sources, Sadio Mane will be included in Senegal’s final World Cup roster today. The right fibula head of the Senegal captain and Bayern Munich attacker was hurt on Tuesday during a Bundesliga game between Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen.
The Teranga Lions’ campaign depends on the two-time African Footballer of the Year, despite yesterday’s reports that Aliou Cisse had named the 30-year-old to his squad. Cisse, who yesterday extended his contract to lead the African champions through 2024, will reveal the final 26 players on the team at 1 p.m. Doha time.
“One thing is certain, Sadio Mané will be on the list tomorrow (Friday),” RMC Sport quoted a source within the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) who spoke to AFP on Thursday.
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They added that Mane is staying calm, “he is a professional, he knows that injury is part of the job.” Reports also state that Cisse will surely take Mane even if he’ll only be fit for their last group match.
After picking up the injury, Bayern assistant coach Dino Toppmoeller had called the injury not “too serious” adding that the former Liverpool man should be fit in time for the tournament that kicks off on November 20. Senegal are in Group A alongside host nation Qatar, Netherlands and Ecuador. Their first game is against the Dutch side on November 21 at the Al Thumama Stadium.
A statement from Bayern on Wednesday read, “Sadio Mane has suffered an injury to the head of his right fibula in FC Bayern’s 6-1 win against Werder Bremen.”
“Africa’s Footballer of the Year will miss Saturday’s game against Schalke. Further examinations will follow in the coming days. FC Bayern is also in contact with the medical staff of the Senegalese Football Association,” it added.
Senegal was able to win their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations championship earlier this year thanks to Mane’s penalty in the shootout victory over Egypt. The motivating talisman has made 93 appearances for the Teranga Lions and scored 34 goals throughout that time. Many Senegalese and football fans have been moved by the striker’s recent injury, and many have come together to support him and wish him a rapid recovery before the tournament, including President Macky Sall.
Sall tweeted on Wednesday, “I wish you a swift recovery, Sadio.”
Heart of a Lion, sadio! He continued, “All my heart is with you.
