Injured Sadio Mane has sent a solidarity message to Senegal players after he was forced to withdraw from the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to injury.
Mane was initially named in Aliou Cisse’s 26-man squad a week ago but the Senegalese medical team confirmed on Thursday that he won’t be playing in Qatar to undergo surgery.
The 30-year-old suffered an ankle injury on November 8, during Bayern Munich’s 6-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen in a Bundesliga fixture.
Mane is Senegal’s all-time top scorer with 34 goals in 93 international matches and he has charged the Teranga Lions to show their bravery at the World Cup.
Aliou Cisse’s men will begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium on Monday evening.
Mane’s statement read: “Many of you sent me messages of support following my injury. Thank God, the operation undergone in the middle of the week went well. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all and show you my gratitude.
“This Monday, our dear country will compete in the World Cup, Qatar 2022. I am sure the Lions will transcend themselves and approach all matches as a real final. I am also convinced that all Senegalese will be in front of the small screen to support and encourage our valiant national team.
Like all fans of the Lions, I am convinced that my teammates will fight as one man and as they used to do in order to honour our dear. Long live Senegal.”
View this post on Instagram
