Senegal await verdict on injured captain Kalidou Koulibaly before World Cup clash

A cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly as the Lions count down to their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against France in just two weeks’ time.

The experienced Senegalese defender has not played since suffering a thigh injury during a training session with Saudi club Al-Hilal.

His last appearance came on April 8 in a Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Kholood, and concerns over his condition have persisted ever since.

The lack of encouraging updates from both Al-Hilal and head coach Simone Inzaghi has only heightened fears among Senegal supporters, who are eager to see their captain available for one of the biggest matches in the country’s football history.

Despite those concerns, Koulibaly was included in coach Pape Thiaw’s preliminary 28-man squad for the World Cup. However, the 103-cap defender has yet to rejoin full training and has continued to work away from the main group since preparations began.

The former Napoli and Chelsea centre-back was also limited during the previous international window, when Senegal recorded victories over Peru and Gambia.

His continued absence from full training has led to growing speculation about whether he will be ready for the tournament.

Speaking during a press conference on Saturday, Thiaw offered a cautious update on the defender’s condition but stopped short of providing a definitive timeline for his return.

“We are monitoring his progress in collaboration with the medical staff. We will communicate on this at the appropriate time, when we have more certainty. But the progress is positive.

We hope he will be ready. I think so and I believe he will be. We have confidence in our medical staff and our physical trainers,” said Thiaw.

The coach’s comments provide some encouragement, although they do little to remove the uncertainty surrounding the captain’s availability.

Koulibaly is expected to miss Senegal’s first warm-up match against the United States on Sunday and could also be unavailable for the subsequent friendly against Saudi Arabia on June 9.

His prospects of featuring against France on June 16 remain unclear, while no firm indication has yet been given regarding his readiness for the World Cup itself.

For now, Senegal’s technical staff are continuing to monitor the defender’s recovery closely. A fresh assessment is expected in the coming days, likely before the team’s final preparation fixture.

Until then, the fitness of the Senegal captain remains one of the biggest questions facing the Lions as they prepare for the start of their World Cup campaign.