The 31-year-old forward underwent surgery on a calf injury, sustained against Werder Bremen at the weekend, ruling him out for up to seven weeks.
The Bayern Munich star was included in Aliou Cisse’s 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup, even though he was a severe doubt for the tournament.
Sadio Mane has been instrumental for the ‘The Lions of Teranga’ in their recent success, he scored three goals, as he guided his nation all the way in the Africa Cup of Nations and scored the decisive penalty against Egypt to send Senegal to the World Cup.
Initially, the Senegal Football federation, said that Mane would miss their “first games” of the tournament, where he was anticipated to feature in their last group game against Ecuador.
The fact that Senegal were willing to risk bringing a half-injured Mane for what could be a crucial last group game, shows just how influential he is to this team.
However, on Thursday, Bayern Munich revealed this statement:
“During the operation, a tendon was re-attached to the head of his right fibula.”
“The Bayern forward will therefore no longer be available to play for Senegal at the World Cup and will begin rehab in Munich in the next few days”
The former Liverpool striker, who made an unexpected £34m move to the Bundesliga in the summer, will have been desperate to have featured in his second consecutive World Cup and try to help his side progress to the knockouts.
The absence of the all-time leading goal scorer for his country could offer the opportunity for a new hero such as Ismailia Sarr of Watford or Sheffield United playmaker Illiman N’diaye who only made his debut in May.
Senegal start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Monday in Group A, where they will have to prepare without their best player.
Who is greatest of all-time for Senegal?
Sadio Mane
Henry Camara
El Hadij Diouf
Roger Mendy
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