FIFA’s secretary general Fatma Samoura has stated that Senegal will use witch doctors in a bid to make sure Sadio Mane is fit for the World Cup.
The 30-year-old suffered an injury during Bayern Munich’s 6-1 win over Werder Bremen on Tuesday and is now a major doubt for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
After the match, Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann said: “He took a knock to the head of his tibia. It's always uncomfortable. He has to have an X-ray. I hope nothing is wrong.
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“I didn't see him after the game, I hope it's not a big injury. But I don't know at the moment. We'll see tomorrow and then give an update.”
Bayern later provided an update via a statement that read: “Sadio Mane sustained an injury to his right fibula. He's out of the game against Schalke this Saturday.
“Further tests will follow in the next few days. FC Bayern is in contact with the medical staff of the Senegalese Football Association.”
Despite not knowing whether he will be fit enough or not, Mane is set to be included in Aliou Cisse’s 26-man squad, which is set to be announced on Friday.
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Samoura, who is the second in command at football’s governing body FIFA has said that her country will do everything to give Mane every possible chance to play.
She said to Europe 1: “We are going to use witch doctors. I don't know (if they're effective) but in this instance, we're going to use them anyway. We are hoping for miracles. He has to be there!”
According to the Daily Mail, a source told AFP: “One thing is certain, Sadio Mane will be on the list tomorrow.”
The source has also stated that Mane remains calm about the situation and knows that injuries are part of a footballer’s life.
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Mane is a pivotal figure in the Senegal squad as he is their main man. The former Liverpool man enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, leading his side to Africa Cup of Nations glory before scoring the winning penalty that confirmed his country’s spot at the World Cup. Despite agonisingly losing out on the Premier League and the Champions League, Mane was ranked second in the Ballon d’Or, behind winner Karim Benzema.
After the news of his untimely injury surfaced, Senegal President Macky Sall tweeted on Wednesday: “Sadio, I wish you a speedy recovery. Sadio, heart of a Lion! All my heart is with you!”
Whilst Augustin Senghor, president of the Senegalese football federation said: “We cross our fingers, we have been worried since we received the news.”
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Senegal will take on the Netherlands on November 21.
Topics: Sadio Mane, Senegal, Football World Cup, Bayern Munich
Marcus Chan