Mane on the plane to Qatar despite uncertainty over injury status
Sadio Mane has been included in Senegal team lists to Qatar World Cup despite injury doubts
Injured Senegal superstar Sadio Mane has been included in manager Aliou Cissé squad for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup despite uncertainty over injury status.
There were conflicting reports over the status of his injury on Wednesday. Some media reports ruled him out of the World Cup, only a few gave him a chance.
Mane hobbled off in the 20th minute of Bayern Munich's eventual 6-1 victory over Werder Bremen, with L'Equipe later confirming the forward would miss the entire tournament in Qatar.
The defending Bundesliga champions are yet to confirm such reports, however, and remain in contact with Senegalese officials ahead of their opening match against the Netherlands on November 22.
"Sadio Mane suffered an injury to the head of his right fibula in FC Bayern's 6-1 win against Werder Bremen," the club said in a statement.
"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."
Senegal's confirmed squad for the World Cup signals the return of Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to the fold after the player missed the nation's previous two internationals in September with a knee injury.
His teammate and national team captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, Watford attacker Ismaïla Sarr and Premier League midfielders Idrissa Gueye (Everton) and Cheikhou Kouyaté (Nottingham Forest) were also among those named in the squad.
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Alfred Gomis, Seny Diang
Defenders: Bouna Sarr, Saliou Ciss, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Abou Cisse, Abdou Diallo, Ibrahima Mbaye, Abdoulaye Seck, Fode Ballo Toure, Cheikhou Kouyate
Midfielders: Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Moustapha Name, M. Loum Ndiaye, Joseph Lopy
Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Bamba Dieng, Keita Balde, Habib Diallo, Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, Mame Babe Thiam
If Mane does miss the World Cup it will be a huge blow for Senegal to lose their talisman superstar.
Mane booked his nation’s place in Qatar by firing in the decisive penalty in their victory over Egypt – and then-Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah – in the World Cup play-offs.
Senegal are due to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on November 21. They also face Ecuador and host nation Qatar in Group A.
