Senegal received a major setback ahead of their final 2026 World Cup qualifying matches after midfielder Pathé Ciss sustained an injury during Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Ciss started the match but left the field with just over 15 minutes remaining after picking up a muscle problem.
The Senegalese international, who was stretchered off in the 71st minute, now faces a race against time to recover before the crucial qualifiers against South Sudan on 10 October and Mauritania on 14 October.
The incident adds to the growing list of concerns for Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw as he prepares his squad for the decisive fixtures.
The 29-year-old midfielder’s absence would come as a significant blow, especially with the team already dealing with several key absences in midfield.
Rayo Vallecano manager Iñigo Pérez provided an initial update after the match but admitted uncertainty over the extent of the injury.
“I don’t know yet how serious the injury is. Maybe it’s not as bad as it looked, despite being stretchered off.
I think it’s a muscle problem,” he said during the post-match press conference.
Even if medical assessments reveal a minor issue, Ciss could still miss the upcoming international break.
His absence would further complicate Senegal’s midfield options as Thiaw attempts to guide the team to a successful conclusion of their qualifying campaign.
Ciss has been a consistent performer for Rayo Vallecano this season and has featured in every La Liga match so far.
His versatility, which allows him to operate in midfield and occasionally in central defence, makes him a valuable option for both club and country.
Although not always a first-choice starter for the national team, his form and experience have made him an important part of Thiaw’s plans.
Losing him would be a significant setback, particularly with other key players also unavailable. Lamine Camara and Habib Diarra remain sidelined through injury, while Pape Gueye will serve a suspension against South Sudan.
The growing list of absences could force Thiaw to adjust his tactical plans ahead of two crucial fixtures that will decide Senegal’s qualification hopes.
The coach will hope for positive news from medical tests in the coming days as he finalises preparations for the decisive matches.
Senegal currently sit among the favourites to secure qualification for the 2026 tournament, but the loss of key midfielders could test their depth and resilience at a critical stage.
Ciss’s condition will remain a major talking point as the team enters its final preparations for the must-win encounters.
