Coach Aliou Cissé unveiled his list of 26 players selected for the 2022 World Cup on Friday. The lead story is Sadio Mane's presence, although he suffered a slight knee injury on Tuesday against Werder Bremen, the Bayern Munich winger is well in the group.
“We are following him, we sent the doctor from the Federation. The good news is that there is no operation. We gave ourselves the opportunity to meet again next week. We'll do an MRI again in 10 days. I preferred to keep him because it is a situation that we have already experienced with Ismaïla Sarr at the AFCON. We will give ourselves all the necessary means to be able to recover the player”, justified the technician, when asked about Mane's situation.
Recently injured, Abdou Diallo equally makes the list. There is however, the absence of Bouna Sarr, out of action for a lengthy period, with Cissé putting his trust on Formose Mendy and Mustapha Name in the right back position.
Those given a chance for their first competition in Teranga Lions uniform are; Ismail Jakobs, Pathé Ciss and Nicolas Jackson. Regulars: Edouard Mendy, Kalildou Koulibaly, Gana Gueye and Ismaila Sarr are all present, but Keita Baldé is unavailable because of suspension for a doping control violation.
Saliou Ciss, holder of the AFCON misses out as he has been without a club since last summer. Moussa Niakhate, Fadiga, Habib Diallo and Mbaye Diagne equally do not make the cut.
The African champions will face the Netherlands on November 21, hosts Qatar on November 25, and Ecuador on November 29 in Group A.
