Senegal Sweat Over Fitness of Key Players Ahead of AFCON 2023

• Senegal are set to lose two key players before AFCON
• Idrissa Gueye picked up an injury against Tottenham
• Boulaye Dia is facing up to five weeks on the sidelines

Senegal's quest to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title has been hit with a huge setback following injuries to key players.

Salernitana forward Boulaye Dia and Everton midfielder Iddrissa Gana Gueye picked up knocks in league games for their clubs over the weekend.

Dia is expected to be out for five weeks while Gueye's situation is currently under observation.

“Boulaye Dia underwent diagnostic tests today which revealed a moderate muscle injury to his left hamstring. The athlete will be out for at least four to five weeks and has already started the rehabilitation protocol," wrote the Salernitana on their website.

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Both players have been pivotal for the Teranga Lions, playing a role in the West African nation's first AFCON triumph in Cameroon last year.

“Idrissa has got an injury which doesn’t look that promising on the first showing. We’ll find out more in the coming days. We’re trying to balance the games programme against the squad, and against the injuries, and the risk and reward of players coming in," said Everton manager, Sean Dyche, as quoted by the club's official website.

Gueye walked off during the game against Tottenham in the Premier League.

RC Lens midfielder Nampalys Mendy to miss AFCON

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that African champions, Senegal have been hit with a big blow just a month before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

RC Lens midfielder Nampalys Mendy could miss the tournament after limping off in the game against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

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Mendy suffered a knock in the 23rd minute and had to be replaced by Younes El-Aynaoui.

Jules Kounde visits Senegal during winter break

Sports Brief also reported that Barcelona defender Jules Kounde arrived in Senegal to a rapturous welcome following the break in La Liga for the winter holidays.

The France right-back took time off to visit the Be Sport Academy, which is in partnership with Spanish giants, Barcelona.

The Academy has a five-year agreement with the La Liga outfit, where young players are given the opportunity to fly to Spain for trials each year.