Sadio Mane Ruled Out Of World Cup 2022 — Senegal

Senegal star Sadio Mane has lost his race to be fit for the 2022 World Cup and has been withdrawn from their squad, the country's football federation announced on Thursday.

Senegal football federation chief Augustin Senghor told reporters on Thursday there was no panic over the loss and said the player's health had been paramount in their decision.

"We have been ready for this since the news of his injury," Senghor said.

Sadio Mané est forfait pour la coupe du monde. Get well soon GAINDÉ ?? ❤️‍? #football #senegal #worldcup

pic.twitter.com/soaRhIDpWI

— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) November 17, 2022

"We had been waiting for new test results and when they came in we all agreed his health had to come first."

When asked how the team had taken the blow Senghor replied: "Zen".

But Senegal international Pape Gueye said that Mane would be missed.

"Mane is irreplacable," he said.

"But we do have other options on the flank, and that's a ray of hope on a dark day for Senegal."

After naming Mane to his World Cup squad a week ago, coach Aliou Cisse was optimistic but cautious.

"Losing Sadio Mane is not an easy thing for a coach, for the team, even for African football," he said.

Mane had been in Munich receiving treatment with his club.

Mane was voted second in the Ballon d'Or last month behind Karim Benzema and the 30-year-old Bayern Munich forward will be sorely missed by the African champions.

The emblematic Mane scored the winning penalty in a shootout victory against Egypt in the African Cup of Nations final and repeated the feat against the same opponents to qualify the Lions of Teranga for the World Cup.