Sadio Mane is set to miss Senegal’s first match of the World Cup against the Netherlands on Monday.
The Bayern Munich star has been suffering with a leg tendon injury sustained on November 7, but was passed fit to travel with his country to Qatar for the tournament.
While battling to be fit to feature, the 30-year-old looks set to miss out on Monday’s clash against Louis van Gaal’s side, according to Senegal Soccer Federation via Sky Sports News.
It also means Mane is set to miss out on a reunion with Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, the two playing together at Liverpool for four-and-a-half years.
Senegal will be hoping to enjoy a strong tournament as they follow up their African Cup Of Nations success in February.
If they’re to do that then the former Liverpool star will no doubt be a key part of their plans.
Mane’s injury situation could also be of interest to Gareth Southgate and England.
With Senegal in Group A and the Three Lions in Group B, the two teams will be pitted against each other in the last-16 should one win their group and the other finish as runner-up.
Mane has a good relationship with English supporters following his successful time at Anfield and there’s no doubt that fans would much rather avoid facing the forward if given the chance.