World Cup: Senegal rule Sadio Mane out for Qatar 2022 due to injury; Bayern star cut from team ahead of opener

Senegal attacker Sadio Mane, arguably one of the best players on the planet, will miss the World Cup due to a right fibula injury, the team announced on Thursday.

The Bayern Munich man was forced off the pitch on Nov. 8 against Werder Bremen with a tendon issue. While he was still named to the World Cup squad with the team counting on him to play, it seemed like there was still a chance for him to be potentially involved in the knockout stage if the team could advance, but that idea came to an end with this announcement. The tournament begins on Sunday, with Senegal facing the Netherlands on Monday. 

Mane helped guide the Lions of Teranga to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title, and the CAF champions were expected to advance from World Cup Group A ahead of the likes of Ecuador and hosts Qatar. But without the former Liverpool man, it’s difficult to see a path into the next round without a player who can take over a match on his own.

Mane has 34 goals in 93 games for the national team.

All matches can be streamed via fuboTV (Try for free). Times U.S./Eastern.

Monday, Nov. 21 (Al Thumama Stadium — Doha, Qatar)FIFA World Cup group stage: Senegal vs. Netherlands, 11 a.m. (Fox, Telemundo)

Friday, Nov. 25 (Al Thumama Stadium — Doha, Qatar)FIFA World Cup group stage: Qatar vs. Senegal, 8 a.m. (FS1, Telemundo)

Tuesday, Nov. 29 (Khalifa International Stadium — Doha, Qatar)FIFA World Cup group stage: Ecuador vs. Senegal, 10 a.m. (Fox, Universo)