The Senegal team is gearing up for the 2023 African Cup of Nations. With only three weeks to go, Aliou Cissé is anxiously monitoring his players. Boulaye Dia has been announced as injured, another piece of bad news.
Senegal striker injured…
The reason for the growing anxiety within the Senegal team is the possibility that a fourth player will have to forgo his participation in the 34th edition of this prestigious African tournament, which kicks off on 13 January 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire. The player in question is striker Boulaye Dia, who sustained an injury on Friday during the match between Salernitana and Milan on Matchday 17 of Serie A.
The length of time the former Villarreal player will be unavailable will be revealed today following extensive tests. Boulaye Dia, a key striker in the Senegal team, made his debut for the ‘Lions’ in October 2020 in a friendly against Morocco, a match he lost by a score of 1-3. Since then, he has played in 26 matches in all competitions, scoring 5 goals, most recently against Mozambique in March.
Three other players have already been forced to withdraw from the African Cup of Nations: goalkeeper Seny Dieng, right-back Youssouf Sabaly and defensive midfielder Nampalys Mendy. The worrying situation is thus intensifying within the Senegalese team in the run-up to this major continental tournament.
Senegal without 3 key players?
For these players, one thing is already certain: they will not be at 100% with the Senegal team at the start of the competition. In the case of Youssouf Sabaly, it was his club coach who recently spoke about his situation. The crucial question is: will he be fit enough for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations? The signs seem positive, although the situation is complex.
Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini said on Wednesday: “It’s always an honour for a club to see its player called up to the national team. Youssouf (Sabaly) has been injured for some time and I don’t know whether he’ll be called up (for the African Cup of Nations) or not. Let’s hope he recovers as soon as possible to play, either with his national team or with us.
For Seny Dieng, the news is more reassuring. After further tests following his injury against Swansea last weekend, the results confirmed a thigh injury, but nothing too serious. Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick reassured fans: “It was just a thigh problem. How long will he be out? It will only be a matter of days, or a little longer, I hope”.
Will the Senegal team be able to count on Mendy?
Although the Senegal goalkeeper is unlikely to be available for the next match against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, he is expected to return for the Championship Boxing Day trip to Rotherham on 26 December, or against Huddersfield on 29 December at the latest. This news comes as a relief to Seny Dieng and his team, allaying fears of a prolonged absence.
As for Nampalys Mendy, the situation seems more delicate. Mendy suffered a muscle injury in the final group stage match between Lens and Sevilla, and will be out for between three and four weeks with an injury to his left thigh. Although his return is expected before the start of the African Cup of Nations, his coach, Franck Haise, has hinted that a final decision on his participation will depend on his recovery.
However, it is reassuring to note that Mendy’s injury should not jeopardise his presence in Senegal’s first match at the AFCON, scheduled for 15 January against Gambia, although his participation could be managed prudently.
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