Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane will not be available for the 2022 World Cup after he was forced off in the first half of his side’s emphatic 6-1 victory over Werder Bremen yesterday.
Mane’s early departure from the game would have raised concern amongst the Senegalese faithful watching on, and the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions have now been dealt a significant blow.
Per French outlet L’Equipe, Mane picked up a tendon injury and will be out of action for the next couple of weeks.
The 30-year-old becomes the latest big name to be ruled out of football’s biggest tournament, joining the likes of N’Golo Kante, Timo Werner and Paul Pogba.
In Mane’s absence, Villareal’s Nicolas Jackson could be handed an opportunity to shine on the global stage by Aliou Cisse, who will name his 26-man squad on Friday.
After a fine start to his first-team career at Estadio de la Ceramica, which has seen him register three goals and two assists, Jackson is expected to be on the plane to Qatar.
Bayern will be hoping to welcome Mane back to the fold as soon as possible as they continue their hunt for an 11th straight league title after recently opening up a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men have also been handed a tough Champions League draw against Paris Saint-Germain and will be keen to have the full complement of their squad around ahead of the return of Europe’s premier club competition in February.
In the meantime, the Bavarians will search for a 10th consecutive victory across all competitions in Saturday’s meeting against Schalke 04, which is their final outing before the World Cup takes centre stage on November 20.
