🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Kalidou Koulibaly's injury raises concerns for 2026 World Cup participation
via SeneNews5 min read
Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the final of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup between Al-Hilal and Al-Kholood in Jeddah. The captain of the Lions is still recovering from a thigh injury sustained in early April and is not deemed fit for the decisive match. Medical staff are prioritizing caution to prevent a relapse, as Koulibaly has not played an official match since April 8. His prolonged absence is impacting Al-Hilal, who will compete for the trophy without their defensive leader and are also in the league title race against Al-Nassr. Beyond club commitments, Koulibaly's situation is causing concern for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to begin in one month. His extended absence and the careful management of his injury raise questions about his ability to regain optimal form in time for the competition, where he is a central figure in the Senegalese defense. His physical condition will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as the global event approaches.
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