Patrick Vieira says Sadio Mane’s Senegal absence is due to injury, not retirement

Patrick Vieira has explained Sadio Mane’s omission from his first Senegal squad, saying the Al-Nassr forward is unavailable because of a physical problem rather than a decision to end his international career.

Mane was the notable omission from Vieira’s squad for Senegal’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia.

Speaking at his official presentation as Senegal manager on Friday, Vieira said he had spoken directly to Mane before announcing the squad. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward could return for the next international break, according to the Senegalese website Seneweb.

“I spoke to Sadio on the phone and he has a physical problem,” said Vieira. “That is why he will not be with us for this camp, but he will probably be present at the next one.”

The comments clarify that Mane’s absence is not connected to his international future. The 33-year-old remains an important figure for Senegal, having played a leading role in the team’s recent history.

Vieira: ‘I chose Senegal with my heart’

Vieira also discussed the financial considerations surrounding his appointment, insisting that money was not the reason he accepted the job.

“My decision was made with my heart, not for money,” he said.

The Frenchman added that he did not take long to agree to the role after his first meeting with the president of the Senegalese Football Federation. Vieira said that initial conversation was enough to convince him to take on the challenge.

“From the first meeting I had with the president of the federation, I immediately agreed to take on this challenge,” he said.

A new project with Senegal

Vieira said the quality of Senegal’s emerging generation was another major factor in his decision to become manager. He also wants to use the experience he gained while working at the highest levels of football to help the national team.

“There was an exceptional generation of players emerging, and there was a real opportunity for me to put my experience at the highest level at their service,” Vieira said.

The former France international said his main objective was to ensure his knowledge benefits Senegal, while working with the federation to establish a new project for the national team, known as the Lions of Teranga.

Vieira’s first competitive assignment will come in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Senegal scheduled to face Mozambique and Ethiopia.