Senegal midfielder Assane Dioussé suffers cruciate ligament injury ahead of Ligue 1 season

Senegalese midfielder Assane Dioussé has suffered a serious knee injury on the eve of the restart of the 2026/27 French Ligue 1 season.

The 28-year-old picked up the injury during Auxerre’s final pre-season friendly against Werder Bremen on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Dioussé subsequently underwent medical examinations to determine the extent of the injury, with the results confirming fears that the midfielder had suffered a cruciate ligament tear in his knee.

The injury is expected to keep the Senegalese international out of action for several months, dealing a major blow to both the player and Auxerre ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign.

Auxerre officially announced the injury on Thursday, August 20, expressing their support for the midfielder as he begins what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process.

“Having suffered a serious injury against Bremen, Assane will unfortunately be sidelined for several months. Assane, the whole TeamAJA is with you and is sending you all our best wishes,” the club said in a statement.

Dioussé will now begin his rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the club’s medical team, with the primary focus on ensuring he makes a full recovery before returning to competitive action.

The midfielder will be hoping to overcome the setback and return to the pitch in the best possible condition once he has completed his recovery.