Senegal international Krépin Diatta has withdrawn from the national team’s squad for the upcoming international break, citing personal reasons. Initially included in the provisional list of 27 players for the October matches, Diatta’s absence was confirmed when the Senegalese Football Federation released an updated list of 26 players on Friday, October 4.
According to sources from Dsports, Diatta, who plays for AS Monaco, requested to be excused from the national team duties to be present for the birth of his partner’s child.
The Senegalese Football Federation and the Lions’ technical staff agreed to his request, despite the squad now feeling the absence of a right-back option in their lineup.
Diatta’s return to the national team had been highly anticipated after a period of absence.
The versatile player, capable of playing as a winger or right-back, had not donned the national team shirt since Senegal’s early exit in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 last January.
Following that tournament, Diatta faced a two-match suspension from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his critical comments about the officiating during the post-match interview in the mixed zone.
Compounding his absence, Diatta also dealt with an injury that kept him sidelined during Senegal’s opening two matches in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
In those games, the Lions secured a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso and a 1-0 win over Burundi, but Diatta’s contributions on the field were sorely missed.
With his recent withdrawal, Senegal’s national team will move forward without Diatta as they prepare for crucial qualifiers.
His absence leaves a gap in the right-back position, a concern for the team as they head into the upcoming fixtures.
Nevertheless, the player’s personal circumstances have been respected by both the team’s management and the federation.
The Senegalese national team will now have to adjust to life without one of their most experienced players for these matches.
For Diatta, family commitments take precedence as he steps away from football temporarily, with the hope that he will soon return to action for both club and country.
