AFCON 2025: Senegal set to stand pat as Assane Diao injury leaves squad size unchanged

Senegal are expected to begin the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without making any late additions to their squad, despite the confirmed withdrawal of Assane Diao through injury, with head coach Pape Thiaw poised to proceed with a 27-man group in Morocco.

The Como forward has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining an injury to his right thigh, dealing another setback to a Senegal camp that has already endured a challenging build-up.

While regulations allow Thiaw to name a replacement, indications from within the camp suggest the coach will resist making changes and instead rely on the depth already available to him.

Diao’s injury occurred on Monday, December 15, just two days after the official squad list had been announced.

Starting against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, the 20-year-old was forced off before the end of the match, immediately raising concerns over his availability for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Confirmation of his withdrawal followed later in the week, when the Senegalese Football Federation issued a medical update on Friday night.

Apres 2 nuits à Tanger, Assane Diao quitte le rassemblement des lions ! 💔 pic.twitter.com/FJoILGwx7y

— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) December 21, 2025

The statement confirmed “a lesion of the biceps femoris muscle in his right thigh”, an injury expected to keep the winger sidelined for between six and eight weeks.

With the tournament arriving too soon for recovery, Senegal were left facing a familiar dilemma: whether to replace an injured player at the last moment or trust the balance of the existing squad.

In recent weeks, the Lions of Teranga have had to manage several uncertainties.

Key players such as Ismaïla Sarr, Ismail Jakobs and Habib Diarra were initially doubts but eventually joined up with the squad.

Others were less fortunate. Ilay Camara and Diao both had to withdraw, adding to the sense of disruption ahead of the opening match.

Thiaw had included reserve players when announcing his list, notably Ousseynou Niang and Ousmane Sow, and their names were quickly mentioned as possible replacements.

However, the coach appears satisfied that his attacking options remain sufficient without calling up reinforcements.

According to information from within the camp, no additional player is expected to be added before the deadline, meaning Senegal will compete with 27 players rather than the expanded 28 initially envisaged.

The decision reflects confidence in an attacking group that has remained largely intact over recent months.

Senegal still boast a wide range of forward options, including Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye, Boulaye Dia, Chérif Ndiaye, Habib Diallo and Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly.

That depth is seen as enough to absorb the loss of Diao without significantly altering the team’s approach.

For those hoping for a late call-up, the wait looks set to continue.

Thiaw’s focus has now shifted fully to competition mode, with preparations intensifying ahead of Senegal’s opening fixture against Botswana on Tuesday.

Despite the setbacks, the message from the coaching staff is one of continuity rather than adjustment.

As Senegal set their sights on another strong continental campaign, the absence of Assane Diao is undoubtedly a disappointment.

Yet the decision to hold firm on squad selection underlines a belief that resilience and collective strength, rather than last-minute changes, will define their Africa Cup of Nations journey.