馃嚫馃嚦SenegalWest Africa
Malang Sarr could join Senegal's World Cup 2026 squad amid Kalidou Koulibaly injury uncertainty
via SeneNews3 min read
As Senegal prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the composition of the Lions' defense is a key topic of discussion. The status of captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is recovering from an injury, remains uncertain. This has opened the door for the potential inclusion of Malang Sarr, a 27-year-old defender who had a notable season in Ligue 1 and was recently named to the UNFP Team of the Season. National coach Pape Thiaw has until June 15, 24 hours before the opening match against France, to finalize the squad. This timeframe allows for a possible last-minute integration of Sarr. Koulibaly has been sidelined since April 8, and his prolonged absence has raised concerns, especially after Senegal's 3-2 loss to the United States on May 31, where the defense struggled. Sarr is on the provisional list, alongside Mamadou Mbow and Ilay Camara. FIFA regulations permit flexibility, allowing federations to submit a preliminary list before a final squad of 23 to 26 players. Crucially, a player on the final list can be replaced up to 24 hours before the first match in case of serious injury or illness. This rule keeps all options open for the Senegalese staff. Sarr's strong sporting arguments include playing 39 matches across all competitions this season, providing an assist, and contributing to his team's defensive solidity. His profile, characterized by game reading, anticipation, clean distribution, and physical impact, appeals to some technical staff members. His consistency and inclusion
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Must ReadItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a thorough investigation into the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan man who died in Bologna after being pinned to the ground during an arrest. Meloni stated that "the truth must be sought to the end, without prejudice or complacency for anyone," while also condemning the violence that erupted during a protest in Bologna. The prosecutor of Bologna has opened an inquiry into Fakir's death, which occurred after he was held in a prone position for several minutes. The investigation targets two police officers and four paramedics. Footage from a resident reportedly shows Fakir calling for help while being restrained by officers, with paramedics present. He later appeared unresponsive. Police reported they intervened after residents reported a man in a "violent rage." A protest in central Bologna on Monday evening drew thousands, resulting in 64 police officers and eleven demonstrators being injured. Further demonstrations are planned in other Italian cities. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi urged waiting for the investigation's conclusions, asserting that "no one is above the law."
Ittihad Riadi de Tanger IR Tanger, a club in Morocco's top football league, Botola Pro, has officially announced the signing of Senegalese forward Ibrahima Dieng, known as "Pauleta." Dieng, who is 20 years old and will turn 21 on August 31, 2005, joins from AS Pikine. He earned the nickname "Pauleta" early in his career in Senegal due to his goal-scoring ability, reminiscent of the former Portuguese international. Standing 1.82 meters tall and right-footed, Dieng wore the number 9 jersey at AS Pikine, where he established himself as a promising attacker in the Senegalese championship. His performance attracted attention from European scouts during the CHAN 2025 and U20 selection campaigns. Scouts describe him as a mobile and athletic player with a strong pressing sense and a keen goal-scoring instinct. Dieng joins a growing Senegalese contingent at IR Tanger, which includes 20-year-old forward Papa Magueye Gueye, who joined in August 2025 and has become a regular starter, and Moussa Kot茅, also from Senegal.
Belgian international midfielder Amadou Onana of Aston Villa underwent surgery in Lyon on Tuesday for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Medical sources indicate he will be sidelined for nine months. The 24-year-old, who previously played for Hamburg, Lille, and Everton, will complete his rehabilitation with Aston Villa's medical staff. Onana, a key player for Belgium with 33 caps, sustained the injury on July 7 in Seattle during the Red Devils' 4-1 World Cup quarter-final victory against the United States, exiting the match after twenty minutes. Coach Rudi Garcia had expressed concerns about a serious injury at the time. The surgery was performed by Dr. Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet at the H么pital priv茅 Jean-Mermoz in Lyon.