Mali’s Molla Wagué Explains AFCON Qualifier Absence
Malian defender Molla Wagué has cleared the air over his absence from the national squad for the opening round of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, citing a lingering injury as the main reason.
The Udinese player, who returned to action last weekend on the final day of the Serie A season, was not named in Alain Giresse’s squad for the Eagles’ clash.
“It had been two months since I played due to a muscle tear, and I’m still in pain,” Wagué told malifootball.com. “When the squad was being prepared, the coach and I spoke and agreed it was better for me to rest and continue my recovery.”
Despite his unexpected return to the pitch for Udinese, where he was even deployed in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role, Wagué insists his commitment to the national team remains unwavering.
“I was surprised to be selected to play again, especially in a new position. I immediately thought about how this might look to the national team fans, but there was no betrayal,” he said. “I love Mali and the national team. I’d never turn my back on them.”
The 24-year-old, formerly of Caen, confirmed he is still undergoing treatment and hopes to be fully fit for Mali’s next round of qualifiers.
