Senegal have suffered a defensive blow ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations title defence with news Bouna Sarr will miss the tournament in January to continue his wretched injury luck.
Bayern Munich has announced that right-back Sarr ruptured knee ligaments in training to keep him sidelined for an extended period.
It marks a frustratingly familiar tale for the 31-year-old after last year missing the World Cup following leg surgery in a massive personal setback.
However, this latest serious injury should not greatly hinder Senegal strategically as coach Aliou Cisse has seemingly cast Sarr aside recently.
The former Marseille and Sevilla full-back, who has 13 caps, last featured internationally in the decisive 2022 World Cup playoff against Egypt in March.
Since joining Bayern, Sarr has struggled for minutes and now faces another lengthy absence to push back his hopes of adding to limited opportunities.
Despite boasting enviable strength in depth, Africa’s top-ranked side will rue losing any member of a star-studded squad hunting more glory.
But with first-choice right-back Youssouf Sabaly excelling at Real Betis, reliable cover exists elsewhere for the upcoming title tilt.
After his Qatar heartbreak, missing another massive occasion continues personal misfortune for unlucky Sarr.
