World Cup 2022: Sadio Mane Missing As African Champions Senegal Arrive in Qatar for Global Showpiece

• Senegal begin their campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on November 21, when they face the Netherlands
• There are concerns that captain of the squad, Sadio Mane, might not be fit for their opening game
• A huge number of the players that make up the Teranga Lions' squad list have arrived in Qatar

Ahead of the November 20 kick-off date of the much anticipated FIFA World Cup, AFCON champions Senegal have arrived in Qatar.

Team captain Sadio Mane who suffered an injury in Bayern Munich's emphatic win over Werder Bremen, was, however, not seen, thereby raising concerns.

It was gathered that the Teranga Lions converged in Paris before jetting off to Doha and arrived in the host city at about 1 am on Monday.

Ghana Soccernet reports that the likes of Namplays Mendy, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye were all spotted.

Cameroon legend Roger Milla speaks for the first time ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Football

It was, however, gathered that a few of the players were not part of the contingent, but team coach Aliou Cisse expects a full house before training begins

Senegal begins their campaign at the global showpiece on Monday, November 21, when they face European powerhouse the Netherlands inside the Al Thumama Stadium in a Group A encounter.

Other members of the group are host Qatar and Ecuador

The Teranga Lions, making a third appearance at the Mundial, aim to better their quarter-finals finish during their maiden participation in 2002.

Senegal missed out on a knockout stage spot in 2018 on technicalities after finishing the group stages on the same points as Poland.

Aliou Cisse expresses fears over Mane's injury

Meanwhile, Coach Aliou Cisse has expressed his fears that star forward Sadio Mane might not recover in time for their opening game at the FIFA World Cup.

Senegal journalist demands Sadio Mane's return for 'local solution' to injury ahead of World Cup

Football

Senegal suffered a major setback when Mane limped off during Bayern Munich's game against Werder Bremen after just 20 minutes.

He was initially ruled out of the whole tournament, but Senegal fans heaved a sigh of relief when Cisse included him in his final 26-man squad for the event.

Mane urged to seek local solution

Sports Brief earlier reported that amid fears that Sadio Mane could miss the World Cup, a journalist based in Senegal urged the Bayern Munich forward to quickly return home to seek a 'local solution' to his injury.

Senegal have been tipped to do Africa proud at the Mundial, but the Teranga Lions can't afford to be without their captain, the reigning African Footballer of the Year.

Zambian journalist Kaumba Chikenge has disclosed that a journalist from Senegal believes the former Liverpool star will recover from his injury if he quickly returns home.