W'Cup: Mane to miss Senegal's 'first games'

Senegalese international Sadio Mane will miss his side's 'first games' at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 30-year-old sustained an injury in Bayern Munich's 6-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen in what was the club's last game before the pre-World Cup break.

The former Liverpool forward and taken in the 20th minute after reports indicate that he suffered a tendon injury.

Despite the injury, Senegal coach Aliou Cisse named the African footballer of the year as part of his 26-man squad for the global showpiece.

“We will have to rely on playing the first games without Radio and win without Sadio,” Senegal football federation (FSF) board member Abdoulaye Sow told AP.

“No one would have wanted it, but that’s what’s happened to us.”

The Taranga Lions will begin their campaign against the Orange at the Al-Thumama Stadium on Monday, November 21.

The African champions will take on host Qatar and Ecuador in their other group matches.

WDN