World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Habib Diarra out for Senegal

A major setback for the Lions of Teranga! Habib Diarra is out of the national team for Senegal in the matches against Sudan and Togo as part of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Habib Diarra left the field in the 38th minute of the match against AJ Auxerre, complaining of discomfort in his left thigh. After the match, he was seen on crutches but tried to reassure fans by saying: "It's nothing serious."

RC Strasbourg Loses Habib Diarra, Bad News for Senegal

On the morning of Thursday, March 6, RC Strasbourg shared updates on the physical condition of their 21-year-old captain. "The MRI conducted on Wednesday confirmed a sprain of the left ankle. He will therefore miss the matches against Nantes and Toulouse. A return after the international break, against OL, is hoped for," reports L'Equipe.

This injury comes just weeks before the 5th and 6th World Cup 2026 qualifiers, where Senegal is set to face Sudan (March 22) and Togo (March 25). Habib Diarra has established himself in the Lions of Teranga squad since his first cap in March 2024. He has played nine matches and scored three goals, including a brace against Burundi during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.