Senegal faces South Sudan without key midfielders Pape Guèye and Habib Diarra

Senegal will enter their penultimate 2026 World Cup qualifying match against South Sudan on October 10 without two pivotal midfielders, Pape Guèye and Habib Diarra.

The Lions, who recently secured a commanding home victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, will also host Mauritania four days later, but will need to adjust their midfield setup due to these absences.

Villarreal’s Pape Guèye is suspended for the Juba trip after receiving a second yellow card against the DRC, while Sunderland’s Habib Diarra is sidelined following groin surgery, ruling him out for both October fixtures.

Diarra, 21, underwent successful surgery earlier this week and is expected to return to action in December, just in time for the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

Sunderland confirmed the news, noting that the Senegalese midfielder will begin his rehabilitation at the Academy of Light after sustaining the injury during training.

Despite the setbacks, Senegal’s midfield remains a strong unit, boasting depth and versatility. Coach Pape Thiaw can call upon several capable players to fill the void, ensuring that the team retains its competitive edge.

The coach’s selection options allow for multiple formations in the centre of the park, mitigating the impact of Guèye and Diarra’s absences.

Pape Guèye has been a standout performer in recent qualifiers, contributing both defensively and offensively, including a goal against the Leopards.

Habib Diarra has similarly impressed since joining Sunderland from RC Strasbourg, quickly becoming one of Thiaw’s trusted options in midfield thanks to his vision, work rate, and decisive playmaking. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the squad’s depth provides alternatives.

The return to form of Pathé Ciss offers an additional boost. The Rayo Vallecano midfielder has impressed in La Liga, showing consistency and leadership, and is expected to slot seamlessly into the midfield during these crucial qualifiers.

Alongside other options, Ciss’s presence ensures that Senegal can maintain stability and creativity in the centre of the pitch.

Senegal’s coaching staff will need to make tactical adjustments ahead of the clash with South Sudan in Juba, a fixture that remains decisive in their push for World Cup qualification.

Thiaw’s ability to rotate his midfield and exploit the versatility of his players will be key to navigating these challenges.

Looking ahead, the Lions aim to secure full points in South Sudan to maintain pressure on group leaders and ensure a smooth path toward the final qualifiers.

With depth, talent, and tactical flexibility, Senegal’s midfield is expected to remain competitive despite the temporary absence of two of its linchpins.

The squad’s resilience and the emergence of alternative options like Pathé Ciss will be vital as Senegal seeks to consolidate their position in Group A and secure a berth for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.