Senegal Coach Giresse Hopeful Over Lamine Sané’s Return for Tunisia Clashes
Senegal head coach Alain Giresse remains optimistic that defender Lamine Sané will be fit in time for the Lions of Teranga’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tunisia later this month.
The Bordeaux centre-back has been recovering from a knee injury but could return to action as early as Friday, when his club faces Reims in Ligue 1. Speaking to Senegalese outlet Setal.net, Giresse said Sané’s potential return to the pitch would be a significant boost for both club and country.
“I spoke again with the Bordeaux medical team, and they indicated that Sané could feature in the match against Reims,” Giresse explained. “That’s very encouraging news. If he plays and comes through unscathed, it would be a strong indication that his knee is back to full strength.”
The 27-year-old defender is among the 23 players named in Senegal’s squad for the two-legged qualifier against Tunisia, with matches scheduled in Dakar and Tunis. The Lions currently lead their group with six points from two matches, and a positive result against Tunisia would put them on course for qualification to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Sané has been a regular in Giresse’s plans when fit, and his return would offer experience and stability to a Senegalese defence preparing to face one of the continent’s most tactically disciplined sides.
“This match against Reims will not only be crucial for Bordeaux,” Giresse added. “Our technical staff will be watching closely. If Lamine features and shows full recovery, he will be ready to rejoin the national team.”
Senegal face Tunisia on October 10 in Dakar before travelling for the return leg on October 15. Giresse is expected to announce any injury replacements following the weekend’s domestic fixtures.
