Senegal’s national football team will face Mauritania without Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, the Senegalese Football Federation announced. Jackson, who sustained a significant ankle injury during the recent match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, will be unavailable for the crucial encounter on Sunday.
Aliou Cissé, Senegal’s head coach, confirmed Jackson’s absence following medical evaluations.
“Nicolas Jackson injured his right ankle during the Senegal-DRC match on June 6, 2024. Radiology examinations (MRI) carried out on June 7 revealed a serious ankle sprain.
He will therefore be unavailable for the Mauritania-Senegal match on June 9, 2024,” read the official statement from the Senegalese Football Federation.
The injury is a blow to Senegal’s campaign, as Jackson has been a pivotal player in their lineup.
The 22-year-old forward, who recently joined Chelsea, had been in impressive form, showcasing his skills and contributing significantly to the team’s attacking prowess.
His absence leaves a noticeable gap in the squad as they prepare to face Mauritania in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Jackson’s injury occurred in the fiercely contested match against DR Congo, where he played a crucial role until he was forced to leave the pitch.
The medical team quickly assessed the severity of the injury, leading to the unfortunate but necessary decision to sideline him for the upcoming match.
This development places additional pressure on Aliou Cissé and his tactical approach. Senegal, known for its depth and talent pool, will need to adjust their strategy to compensate for Jackson’s absence.
The team will look to other key players to step up and fill the void left by the Chelsea striker.
Senegal’s fans and teammates will undoubtedly miss Jackson’s presence on the field, but the team’s resilience and depth offer hope for a strong performance against Mauritania.
The Lions of Teranga, currently aiming for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign, will need to rally together and adapt to this setback.
Jackson’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and his progress will be closely monitored by both the Senegalese Football Federation and Chelsea.
For now, the focus for Senegal is on securing a victory against Mauritania and maintaining their momentum in the qualifiers.
