As the 2022 World Cup kicks off on 20 November in Qatar, Senegal has lost one of its key players. It is Sadio Mané, the child of Bambali who took his country to the roof of Africa for the first time by winning the CAN 2022 against Egypt. The Senegalese international will not be on Aliou Cisse’s list for the World Cup as he suffered a shin injury during the Bayern-Werder Bremen match on Tuesday 8 November.
It was a blow to the Senegalese national team when the news was announced. Sadio Mané will not be in Aliou Cissé’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mané will miss the 2022 World Cup after suffering an injury on Tuesday against Werder Bremen, reports The team on Wednesday.
Shin splint or tendon injury?
“He took a blow to the shin. He’s going to have scans. I hope it’s nothing,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann after the match. This assurance was dismissed out of hand by the sports daily, which reported a tendon injury requiring several weeks’ absence.
The chances of seeing the current Bayern player on the green rectangle to defend the colours of his nation, Senegal, are diminishing. Sadio Mané will probably not appear on the list of players selected by Aliou Cissé and which should be made official on Friday at 10am (local time).
Regrettable absence
With his participation in the 2022 World Cup, Mané had every chance to give a new dimension to his professional career. Winner of the last CAN and crowned best player of the tournament, author of the decisive penalty in the final of the CAN and in the play-offs of the World Cup and above all 2nd of the last Ballon d’Or, this injury comes to encroach on the dream of the 30 year old player. His absence could be detrimental to the Lions, who face the Netherlands, Qatar and Ecuador in Group A.
A total of five African nations will be in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. There are Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco and Cameroon. The competition opens on Sunday 20 November and closes on 18 December 2022.