Danger Mane
KOP FURY AS ‘CONCUSSED’ STAR GETS ALL-CLEAR TO PLAY
Senegal Equatorial Guinea Quarter-final, 7pm BY DAVID LYNCH SADIO MANE is caught in the middle of a club versus country row as he prepares to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals for Senegal this evening.
The Liverpool forward has been declared fit to play against Equatorial Guinea despite being involved in a sickening clash of heads on Tuesday.
Mane had lengthy treatment after colliding with Cape Verde keeper Vozinho in the second half of their last-16 tie.
The 29-year-old managed to play on after the incident, and scored a brilliant opening goal to help his country book a place in the last eight courtesy of a 2-0 victory in Bafoussam. But he
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signalled his inability to continue soon after finding the back of the net, dropping to the ground with dizziness and nausea.
Liverpool expected those symptoms of concussion to result in their player missing Senegal’s next game in line with normal medical practice.
However, national team doctor Abdourahmane Fedior revealed on Saturday the forward is available for selection.
“All the symptoms he had on the pitch are gone. His condition requires fairly close monitoring. Everything is normal on the X-ray,” he said in a statement.
But Liverpool chiefs are furious Mane is deemed ready to play just five days after taking a violent head blow. Had the forward suffered a similar injury in a Premier League game, he would be unavailable for selection for a minimum of six days due to concussion protocols. But, at his pre-match press conference, Senegal boss Aliou Cisse (below) confirmed the Liverpool man is being considered.
He said: “Sadio is doing great. He trained yesterday. We are still monitoring his situation. It is true it was a serious knock but he trained. We hope he will be ready for the match.”
Although they harbour serious concerns, Liverpool accept they are powerless to prevent their player from returning to action ahead of that schedule. The club’s medical staff are sure to be watching closely as Senegal bid to reach a second consecutive Afcon final.
The Lions of Teranga were beaten by Algeria in the showpiece 2019 fixture in Egypt.
They are the bookies’ favourites to win this year’s competition, but must get past unfancied Equatorial Guinea tonight to keep their dream alive.
Of the game, Cisse added: “We will approach this match as usual, with humility, confidence. We want to go all the way for the Senegalese.
“If Equatorial Guinea is there, it’s because they deserve it.”
Senegal’s chances got a big boost this week as Watford star Ismaila Sarr joined the squad.
The winger missed the opening stages of the competition with a knee injury but has recovered.