With the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to kick off in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024, several players find themselves embroiled in a race against time as injuries cast doubt on their participation in the prestigious tournament.
Senegal, determined to defend its African champion status, faces uncertainties in key positions due to injuries affecting crucial players.
As Lions coach Aliou Cissé assembles his squad for AFCON 2023, concerns loom over the fitness of key elements who are currently nursing injuries.
One notable setback is the condition of Youssouf Sabaly, the right-back trained by PSG, who suffered a grade 2 sprain of the medial lateral ligament in his right knee.
Sabaly’s absence from the Lions’ rearguard has left a void, and his return is keenly anticipated by the technical staff.
In addition to Sabaly, other vital players have succumbed to injuries. Seyni Dieng, the third-choice goalkeeper, is sidelined, and the state of Senegalese striker Boulaye Dia is causing anxiety among supporters.
Dia’s muscle injury, sustained during the Salernitana – AC Milan match, raises concerns about his availability for AFCON 2023, potentially disrupting Cissé’s plans.
The injury bug has not spared other Lions, with Nampalys Mendy and Idrissa Gana Guèye also on the sidelines
. Midfielder Guèye, with 106 caps, left the pitch due to pain against Tottenham, while Mendy, injured against Sevilla, is diligently preparing with a physiotherapist to be fit for AFCON 2023.
Ghana, too, faces a potential blow as Russell Martin, Southampton’s coach, suggests that Kamaldeen Sulemana may miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury, joining Tariq Lamptey on the list of possible casualties.
Lamptey has been sidelined since November 25, grappling with a series of injuries.
Meanwhile, Guinea’s captain, Naby Keïta, is battling physical fragility, raising doubts about his participation in AFCON 2023.
With just three games played this season for Werder Bremen, Keïta’s return to top form remains uncertain, prompting caution from his German club’s coach.
As the countdown to AFCON 2023 continues, the fate of these injured players remains a major concern, with their potential absence posing challenges for their respective teams in the quest for continental glory.
