Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers could suffer another blow, with Ismail Jakobs reportedly set to miss the upcoming international break due to injury.
According to reports from Turkey, the Galatasaray full-back has suffered a relapse of an injury sustained in January, which could sideline him for up to three weeks.
Recurring injury troubles for Jakobs
Jakobs, currently on loan at Galatasaray from AS Monaco, has struggled with fitness issues throughout the season.
Limited to just 16 appearances across all competitions, the 24-year-old has struggled to maintain consistency due to multiple injuries.
This latest setback adds to a frustrating campaign, both at club and international level.
With Senegal set to play crucial World Cup qualifiers later this month, his absence would be a major concern for head coach Pape Thiaw, who is already dealing with Nicolas Jackson’s withdrawal from the squad.
The Chelsea forward was ruled out due to injury, further depleting Senegal’s options.
A growing concern for Senegal’s squad depth
If Jakobs is officially ruled out, Senegal will have to adjust their squad composition ahead of their qualifiers.
The defender has been an integral part of the national setup, offering defensive stability and attacking support from the left flank.
His injury leaves Pape Thiaw with limited choices in that position, potentially forcing a tactical reshuffle or an urgent call-up for a replacement.
The Lions of Teranga are scheduled to face Democratic Republic of Congo and Mauritius in their next qualifiers, fixtures that could prove decisive in their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Jakobs and Jackson both facing unavailability, the Senegalese coaching staff will need to rethink their strategy to ensure the team remains competitive.
Uncertain return date
While initial reports suggest Jakobs could be out for two to three weeks, the final assessment will depend on his recovery progress.
Galatasaray’s medical team will continue to monitor his situation, with updates expected in the coming days.
For now, Senegal awaits official confirmation regarding Jakobs’ status, hoping to avoid yet another key absence as they gear up for an important phase in their qualification campaign.
