Sadio Mané out of World Cup due to injury, say reports

Bayern Munich and Senegal star Sadio Mané suffered a lower leg injury on Tuesday evening that has his World Cup status at risk. Mané went down just 15 minutes into Bayern’s Bundesliga matchup with Werder Bremen. While the German giants won the match 6-1 on the night, the biggest concern was Mané’s injury.

After the win, Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that a scan will take place. “He’ll have to have an X-ray to see what’s happened,” said Nagelsmann. “He took a blow to his tibial plateau [the front of the shin]. It’s a painful spot.”

Mané was able to walk straight down the tunnel after suffering the untimely injury.

Bayern assistant coach Dino Toppmoller was optimistic about the seriousness of Mané’s injury. “[It’s] nothing too serious and his participation in the World Cup should not be in jeopardy,” claimed the coach. However, reports on Wednesday unfortunately paint a bit of a different picture.

The club released an updated statement Wednesday morning on their official English Twitter account about the injury. “Sadio Mané suffered an injury to his right fibula during #FCBSVW,” claimed the club. “He will miss the game against Schalke. Further examinations will follow in the coming days, and FC Bayern are in contact with the medical staff of the Senegalese Football Association.”

Sadio Mané out of World Cup

Commentator Derek Rae, through German outlet Bild, tweeted that Mané will reportedly miss the upcoming World Cup. The legendary voice in soccer stated that the Senegal player ruptured a tendon in his leg; however, he remained cautious about an official diagnosis from the team.

French news source L’Equipe has also reported that Mané will miss the World Cup as well. If confirmed, it would be a major blow to Senegal chances to make a deep run in the tournament.

Senegal begin their World Cup in less than two weeks. The African champions play the Netherlands on Nov. 21. They also face hosts Qatar and Ecuador in Group A of the competition.

Mané is not only one Senegal’s most important players, but he is also one of the top players in the world. The former Liverpool star has racked up nine goals and four assists in 20 total matches between Bundesliga and Champions League play.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Sven Simon