Senegal dealt major blow ahead of 2025 AFCON as Ismail Sarr suffers injury

Senegal’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have taken a hit after star winger Ismaïla Sarr sustained an injury during Crystal Palace’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United.

Sarr signalled discomfort as early as the 4th minute, calling for medical attention after appearing to pick up a knock.

Although he briefly continued, returning to the field two minutes later, the winger was eventually forced off in the 38th minute.

Manager Oliver Glasner replaced him with Eddie Nketiah as his condition worsened. Before Sarr’s withdrawal, Crystal Palace had opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a precise penalty into the bottom-right corner.

Manchester United eventually turned the match around after the break. Joshua Zirkzee levelled the score in the 54th minute, guiding home a well-placed free-kick delivery from Bruno Fernandes.

Nine minutes later, Mason Mount sealed the comeback with a brilliant low strike from the edge of the box.

United held on to secure the 2-1 victory, but the biggest concern of the afternoon came from Senegal’s camp, with Sarr’s injury raising questions about his availability for the upcoming AFCON.

Further assessments will determine the severity of the setback.