Moussa Niakhaté ruled out of Senegal squad for 2026 World Cup qualifier 

Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté has withdrawn from the national team squad after sustaining a right knee injury in the victory over Sudan, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Olympique Lyonnais centre-back started Friday’s match but was forced off shortly before the hour mark.

The Senegalese Football Federation later confirmed that the 28-year-old is not fit to continue the training session, and will take no further part in this international window.

His absence comes as a blow to head coach Pape Thiaw, whose side are preparing for a crucial clash in Kinshasa on Tuesday, part of the eighth round of fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Niakhaté’s unavailability adds to Senegal’s defensive concerns, with Abdou Diallo also unlikely to recover in time to feature.

The potential double setback at the back has prompted Thiaw to turn to emerging talent, calling up 20-year-old Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye, who impressed during the African Nations Championship with the local Lions.

Despite the injuries, Senegal retain considerable depth in central defence.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdoulaye Seck, and Moustapha Mbow remain available options, offering Thiaw several choices as he reshapes his back line for the meeting with DR Congo.

The match in Kinshasa is set to test Senegal’s resilience as they continue their push for qualification.

The Lions of Teranga, who have built their reputation on a solid defensive foundation in recent years, will now be tasked with maintaining that stability despite the enforced changes.

Niakhaté’s injury also represents a personal setback, as the former Nottingham Forest defender had only recently established himself as a regular presence in the Senegalese back four.

His strong performances had added balance alongside Koulibaly, and his absence could require tactical adjustments from Thiaw.

With a demanding run of qualifiers ahead, the timing of the injury highlights the fine margins of the campaign.

The DR Congo fixture is widely seen as one of the group’s defining encounters, with both teams still harbouring ambitions of securing a place at the 2026 finals.

For Senegal, the focus now shifts to managing resources and ensuring the squad’s depth can compensate for the loss of key personnel.

As Thiaw adapts his plans, the Lions will be hoping their collective strength is enough to carry them through one of their most challenging away fixtures.