Ismail Jakobs continues to worry both Galatasaray and Senegal as his latest injury places his availability for the Africa Cup of Nations in serious doubt.
The left-back has already missed Galatasaray’s last three league matches, and his condition raised alarms after the Champions League defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise on 25 November.
Jakobs left that match early in the second half, limped through the tunnel at Rams Park, and covered his right calf with a bandage.
His coach explained the substitution as a precaution, insisting the Senegal international did not start at full fitness. However, Jakobs has since remained unavailable for selection.
The 26-year-old has struggled with recurring physical problems since moving to Turkey and has already missed close to twenty matches this season.
He now faces a confirmed muscle tear that will keep him out for at least two more weeks, according to internal assessments.
The timing could not be worse. Senegal start their AFCON campaign in under three weeks, and Pape Thiaw must now decide whether to risk calling up a player who may not recover in time.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk made his stance clear after the 3–2 win over Samsunspor on Friday. He insisted the club will not send Jakobs to AFCON while he recovers.
“If we prepare these players and send them to the AFCON, we won’t feel satisfied because they’ll be injured.
Ismail Jakobs needs to stay with us and finish his recovery. Right now, he’s not fit to play in this tournament,” Buruk said.
His words place Senegal in a difficult position. Thiaw must evaluate whether he should name Jakobs in his squad or leave him out altogether, especially since no one can confirm when the defender will regain full fitness.
The Senegal coach has already examined alternative plans. With Malick Diouf unavailable for the opening match, Thiaw expects to call Ilay Camara to fill the left-back role.
He also considers Ousseynou Niang, who can operate effectively as a wing-back and offers tactical flexibility.
As AFCON 2025 approaches, Senegal wait for clarity, while Galatasaray insist on keeping their player to manage his recovery.
