Kalidou Koulibaly's World Cup 2026 participation uncertain due to injury
via SeneNews2 min read
Senegalese football fans are concerned about Kalidou Koulibaly's availability for the 2026 World Cup. The defender, a key player for the Lions for over ten years, has been sidelined since April 8 after sustaining a thigh injury during training with Al Hilal. His coach, Simone Inzaghi, described the contusion, aggravated by an unusual subcutaneous hematoma, as a unique injury he had not seen in 30 years. Koulibaly, 34, with 102 caps, views this World Cup as his last. Neither his club nor the Senegalese Football Federation has provided a return date. Examinations in Spain revealed a grade 2 quadriceps muscle tear, requiring extensive rehabilitation. This situation is particularly worrying as the World Cup 2026 approaches, with Senegal's first match against France scheduled for June 16. In Koulibaly's potential absence, coach Pape Thiaw would need to rebuild the defense around Moussa Niakhaté. Potential replacements include Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck, and Nobel Mendy. Young talents like Malang Sarr, Moustapha Mbow, Arouna Sangante, and Ousmane Diao are also being considered. An experienced option could be the return of Abdou Diallo, a versatile defender who was instrumental in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadApproximately 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members are currently stranded in the Gulf, a situation attributed to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This information was shared by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization IMO, a UN agency responsible for maritime safety. Dominguez stated that these innocent individuals are caught in geopolitical situations beyond their control. He also reported that 10 sailors have died in about thirty attacks on vessels, a figure previously mentioned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Iran has maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global hydrocarbon trade, since the war began on February 28. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and has impacted the global economy. Meanwhile, Washington has continued its blockade of Iranian ports, initiated on April 13, five days after a ceasefire came into effect. Dominguez called for a humanitarian corridor to evacuate sailors once passage through the strait is safe and free from dangers like potential mines or attacks. He also urged shipowners to avoid sending vessels into the Gulf to prevent further casualties and economic losses. Following the IMO's statements, the Iranian military command accused the US army of violating the ceasefire by attacking ships near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement broadcast by state television.
A diplomatic luncheon was held at the French Ambassador's Residence in Dakar, attended by Christine Fages, members of the Senegalese Football Federation's Executive Committee, and former Senegalese international players from the 2002 World Cup. The gathering reflected on the historic 2002 World Cup match where Senegal, in their debut, defeated France. Discussions also touched upon the anticipated reunion of the two nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States on June 16. Beyond sports and remembrance, the meeting highlighted the objectives of the Africa Forward summit, focusing on youth, investment, and international cooperation. Participants emphasized the strategic role of sport as a catalyst for economic development, education, and international influence for African countries.
Strasbourg has been eliminated from the Conference League semi-finals after losing to Rayo Vallecano. The French club suffered a 1-0 defeat in the second leg at home in Alsace, following an identical 1-0 loss in the first leg in Madrid. Rayo Vallecano's Brazilian player Alemao scored the decisive goal shortly before halftime in the second leg. Rayo Vallecano will now face Crystal Palace, who eliminated Shakhtar Donetsk, in the final.
Ismaïla Sarr continues his strong performance in the Conference League for Crystal Palace F.C., scoring against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. The Senegalese winger entered the match at the start of the second half and netted a crucial goal, bringing his total to nine goals in the competition. This goal helped Crystal Palace secure a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.