Mamadou Sarr withdraws from Senegal squad after Real Sociedad injury

Senegal defender Mamadou Sarr has withdrawn from the national team’s final training camp of the year after suffering a calf injury while playing for Real Sociedad.

The 20-year-old was among the 25 players selected by head coach Patrick Vieira for the upcoming international assignment but will miss both matches against Sudan because of the setback.

Sarr picked up the injury during Real Sociedad’s Europa League encounter against Olympique Lyonnais, his former club, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The defender was forced off at half-time after experiencing discomfort in his calf, raising immediate concerns about his availability for Senegal’s upcoming fixtures.

Following medical examinations, Real Sociedad confirmed the extent of the injury, ruling the Chelsea loanee out of the national team’s preparations.

In an official statement, the Spanish club said: “tests carried out by the Real Sociedad medical staff have confirmed a muscle injury to the soleus muscle in his left leg.”

Although the club has not provided a specific recovery date, Sarr is expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines as he begins his rehabilitation.

His withdrawal represents a setback for Senegal, particularly as the defender had been enjoying a positive spell with Real Sociedad before the injury interrupted his progress.

The former Chelsea academy player had been included in Vieira’s 25-man selection as the coach prepared to bring together his squad for the final international gathering of 2026.

However, the injury means he will have to postpone his wait for an official appearance with the Senegal senior national team.

Patrick Vieira faces selection decision after Sarr injury

Sarr’s absence leaves Vieira with a decision to make ahead of Senegal’s two meetings with Sudan.

The Senegal coach is yet to indicate whether he intends to call up another defender to replace the Real Sociedad player in his squad.

However, the number of options available in the original 25-man selection could give Vieira enough depth to manage the situation without making an additional change.

For Sarr, attention will now turn to his recovery and return to action after the calf problem brought an end to his immediate international ambitions.

The defender will be hoping to recover fully and return to competitive football after missing an important opportunity to join his Senegal teammates for the country’s final training camp of the year.