The next gathering of the Senegal national football team might happen without one of its most consistent defenders in recent years. Just days before the official squad announcement, Abdoulaye Seck is unlikely to be among the players selected by coach Pape Thiaw for the two friendly matches scheduled at the end of March.
According to available information, the list of summoned players will be revealed in the middle of next week. The national coach will announce, on March 19, the players called up for these two friendly matches set for March 28 and 31. The Lions will first face the Peru national football team at the Stade de France, before challenging the Gambia national football team at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium.
This gathering will mark the return of the Senegalese team to the pitch after their second continental title at the Africa Cup of Nations. With this in mind, several adjustments could be made to the squad, including the possible integration of new profiles, especially in the defensive sector.
Among the players whose absence is mentioned is Abdoulaye Seck. The 33-year-old central defender currently plays in Israel for Maccabi Haifa. A regular in the call-ups over the past few years, he is one of the experienced members of the Senegalese squad.
Since his return to the national team in March 2023, Abdoulaye Seck has shown great consistency. With 21 caps and three goals for the national team, he is one of the few players who hasn’t missed any gathering during this period. According to available statistics, only Idrissa Gana Gueye shows comparable consistency in call-ups.
The defender also participated in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, playing three matches during the tournament. His experience and defensive solidity helped strengthen the depth of the Senegalese squad.
However, several factors could explain his absence from the upcoming gathering. On one hand, the coaching staff might consider testing younger profiles in preparation for future international challenges. This direction could lead the coach to partially renew certain sectors, particularly the defense.
On the other hand, the geopolitical situation in the region where the player is based could complicate his availability. Abdoulaye Seck is currently in Israel, where he continues his career with Maccabi Haifa. Due to the security context related to the conflict in the Middle East, some travel restrictions affect players in the local league, which is currently suspended. This situation could make it more difficult for him to leave the country and weigh on the final decision regarding his call-up.
