Senegal: Two setbacks for Patrick Vieira after squad announcement

Two key players doubtful for the international break

Africa Today at 06:31

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Senegal: Two setbacks for Patrick Vieira after squad announcement

12.11.26 14:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal

Sudan

For the November 2026 international break, Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has received two setbacks ahead of the next two matches for the Lions of Teranga.

After announcing his 25-man squad last Thursday for Senegal’s double-header against Sudan on November 12 and 16, in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Patrick Vieira will have to do without Mamadou Sarr.

Real Sociedad announce Sarr is out

In a statement released by Real Sociedad on Saturday evening, the club said Mamadou Sarr had suffered a calf injury. The Senegalese centre-back had been a doubt since going off injured in the Europa League on Thursday. “Medical examinations carried out on Mamadou Sarr by Real Sociedad’s medical department have confirmed a muscle injury to the soleus in his left leg,” the statement read.

No recovery time has been specified. He is expected to miss at least two to three weeks of action.

Kréppin Diatta offers little reassurance

After Mamadou Sarr, another player could also be ruled out: Kréppin Diatta (Watford). The Senegalese right-back went off injured on Saturday in the English second tier.

🤒Nouveau coup dur potentiel pour les Lions. Krépin Diatta a été contraint de quitter ses partenaires dès la 14e minute du match entre Watford et Middlesbrough, visiblement touché. Une sortie prématurée qui suscite des inquiétudes à quelques jours du rassemblement de l’équipe nationale pour le double affrontement face au Soudan (12 et 16 novembre). Si la nature et la gravité de sa blessure restent à déterminer, son état physique sera particulièrement surveillé dans les prochaines heures. #13football #13tv
— 13football_com (@13footballC) November 7, 2026

Senegal are second in Group J of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, behind Mozambique on goal difference. A pair of wins would bring the Lions of Teranga closer to qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.