Sadio named in squad to face Bafana
But Reds say his injury could keep him out for weeks
Dakar – Sadio Mane was named in Senegal’s 25-man squad yesterday for their final World Cup qualifiers next month against Bafana Bafana, even though his club Liverpool said last week the winger would be out for up to six weeks.
Senegal, who need two points to qualify for next year’s finals, play South Africa away in Polokwane on November 10 and then at home in Dakar on November 14.
“Sadio Mane has resumed individual training and will probably resume full training next week,” Senegal coach Aliou Cisse said.
Mane hurt his hamstring in Senegal’s last Group D game, a 2-0 away win over Cape Verde on October 7, after which Liverpool said the injury “could keep him out of action for up to six weeks”.
Senegal have stuck with the same squad that beat the Cape Verdians, including West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho, who returned to the national team and scored in the victory in Praia.
Senegal squad
Goalkeepers: Clement Diop (LA Galaxy‚ US)‚ Alfred Gomis (SPAL‚ Italy)‚ Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya‚ Guinea) Defenders: Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor‚ Turkey)‚ Fallou Diagne (Metz‚ France)‚ Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli‚ Italy), Adama Mbengue (Caen‚ France)‚ Kara Mbodji (Anderlecht‚ Belgium)‚ Pape Alioune Ndiaye (Galatasaray‚ Turkey), Youssouf Sabaly (Girondins Bordeaux‚ France).
Midfielders: Saliou Ciss (Angers‚ France), Assane Diousse (St Etienne‚ France)‚ Idrissa Gueye (Everton‚ England), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham‚ England)‚ Alfred Ndiaye (Villarreal‚ Spain)‚ Cheikh Ndoye (Birmingham City‚ England)‚ Salif Sane (Hannover‚ Germany)‚ Moussa Wague (Eupen‚ Belgium)
Strikers: Balde Keita (Lazio‚ Italy), Moussa Konate (Amiens‚ France)‚ Sadio Mane (Liverpool‚ England)‚ Mbaye Niang (Torino‚ Italy), Opa Nguette (Metz‚ France)‚ Diafra Sakho (West Ham‚ England)‚ Moussa Sow (Al Ahli‚ United Arab Emirates).