Senegal’s national team is grappling with a major injury crisis just weeks before their vital 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Sudan on March 17 and Togo on March 21.
With several key players sidelined, coach Pape Thiaw faces a difficult task in assembling a competitive squad for the upcoming fixtures.
A string of injuries has left the team significantly weakened across all areas of the pitch.
Among those currently unavailable are Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng, Galatasaray’s Ismail Jakobs, Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra, Al Ahli’s Édouard Mendy, and Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Their absences present a considerable selection headache for Thiaw as he prepares his squad for these decisive encounters.
With both first-choice goalkeepers Mendy and Dieng unavailable, Thiaw may turn to Yehvann Diouf of Reims or Clermont Foot’s Massamba Ndiaye as alternative options in goal.
In defense, the injury to Jakobs could open the door for Ilay Camara of Molenbeek to receive his first international call-up.
The attack has also been hit hard, with Ndiaye and Jackson sidelined. This could provide opportunities for players like Assane Diao (Como), Idrissa Gueye, Papa Amadou Diallo, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly (Metz), and Pape Meïssa Ba (Schalke 04) to stake their claim in the frontline.
Midfield is another area of concern, with Habib Diarra’s absence leaving a gap. To reinforce this department, Thiaw could call upon Villarreal’s Pape Gueye, Metz’s Lamine Camara, or Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr.
Despite the challenges posed by these injuries, Senegal boast a deep talent pool capable of stepping up to the task.
However, the lack of cohesion caused by these sudden absences could prove to be a stumbling block, particularly against Sudan and Togo, both of whom will be eager to take advantage of any weaknesses in the Senegalese squad.
Thiaw now faces a crucial test in his managerial tenure, as he must make the right tactical adjustments to ensure Senegal remain on course for World Cup qualification.
