Senegal coach Pape Thiaw confident Kalidou Koulibaly will be ready for World Cup

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has moved to calm concerns surrounding the fitness of captain Kalidou Koulibaly, insisting the defender is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.

Koulibaly has been sidelined since April through injury, raising doubts about his availability for Senegal’s upcoming international campaign.

Despite his absence from competitive action, the defender has still been included in the squad as the national team continues to monitor his rehabilitation closely.

Speaking during a press conference, Thiaw expressed confidence in the player’s recovery and underlined the importance of Koulibaly within the squad.

“He is the captain of this team, the glue that holds the squad together. He is progressing well in his rehabilitation. I think that in three weeks, he will be fit for the World Cup. The World Cup isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and I think he will be ready.”

The comments were intended to end growing speculation regarding the physical condition of the Senegal captain, whose leadership role remains central to the team.

Koulibaly is still receiving treatment with his club and has yet to return to action, but both the player and medical staff are said to be encouraged by the progress of his rehabilitation programme.

The Senegalese coaching staff are understood to be taking a cautious approach to his recovery, prioritising his long-term condition rather than rushing him back into competition too early.

Thiaw’s remarks also highlighted the wider value Koulibaly brings to the national side beyond his performances on the pitch. As one of the senior figures within the dressing room, the defender is regarded as an important presence for the squad heading into a major tournament.

The focus now remains on ensuring the former Senegal captain regains full fitness before the World Cup begins. Medical teams are continuing to supervise his recovery carefully, with confidence growing that he will be ready for the tournament if his rehabilitation continues at its current pace.

For Senegal, the potential return of Koulibaly would provide a major boost ahead of the competition, particularly given his experience and leadership within the national team setup.