Injured: Sadio Mane
(Picture: Getty Images)Senegal star Sadio Mane is set to miss the World Cup 2022 through injury, according to reports.
The former Liverpool forward, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer, was forced off during last night’s 6-1 victory over Werder Bremen.
Bayern’s assistant coach Dino Toppmoller had suggested after the game that Mane had been “hit on the leg” and that the injury was “not too serious” but manager Julian Nagelsmann suggested scans would be needed to determine the extent of the injury.
“That’s an unpleasant spot, it radiates a bit into the muscles,” Nagelsmann said. “I think he has to go to the X-ray to see if there is something there, because it is splintering easily. But I hope that nothing is wrong. I can’t say anything for sure yet.”
Reporting on Wednesday morning, French outlet L’Equipe claim Mane has now been ruled out of the tournament, which would be a huge blow to a Senegal side he inspired to Africa Cup of Nations glory earlier this year.
Mane scored the winning penalty in that tournament’s final shootout against Egypt, who Senegal also saw off in a playoff to secure a place in Qatar.
In Group A alongside the Netherlands, Ecuador and the host nation, Senegal are a possible last-16 opponent for England, who play in Group B with Wales, USA and Iran.
