Sadio Mane will be missing ‘the first games’ with the Senegal national team at the World Cup, an official has confirmed. The winger sustained an injury in Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win against Werder Bremen, and was a doubt for the tournament.
However, despite reports that he would miss the competition, he was named in the 26-man shortlist and has been called up to the team. That being said, he will need some time to recover from the injury to his right fibula.
Sadio Mane to be out for the first few games in the World Cup
Prior to the announcement of the World Cup squad, it was expected that the Bayern Munich forward would be out for some time. And this would result in him not being available for the first few games. But in spite of his unavailability, he has been picked in the squad to hopefully make an impact at the later stages.
The 30-year-old has had a fine start to life in Germany following his transfer from Liverpool. And Sadio Mane’s form heading into the World Cup will provide a boost for the team’s ambitions, despite the seemingly minor setback to his fitness.
Senegal will face Netherlands in their opening game on November 21, and have games against hosts Qatar and Ecuador in Group A.