Lamine Sané Backs Senegal Depth as Koulibaly Faces World Cup Injury Doubt

Posted : 08 May 2026

Former Senegal defender Lamine Sané has expressed confidence that the national team can cope without captain Kalidou Koulibaly if the defender is ruled out of the FIFA World Cup due to a serious injury concern.

Koulibaly has not featured for since early April after suffering a rare thigh injury during a training collision with a teammate. Medical reports describe the issue as a thigh contusion with a hematoma, and his recovery timeline remains unclear.

The centre-back’s absence has raised major doubts over his availability for the tournament, which begins on June 11. He is also set to miss key club fixtures, leaving only a short window to regain fitness before Senegal’s World Cup preparations conclude.

Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi recently admitted surprise at the unusual nature of the injury, highlighting how an accidental training ground clash has placed the veteran defender’s tournament hopes in jeopardy.

Koulibaly, who has struggled for full fitness since April, has been unable to resume running and is expected to miss important domestic fixtures before the season ends. That lack of match time significantly reduces his chances of being ready for international duty.

Despite the concern surrounding their captain, Sané believes Senegal have enough depth in defence to cope. He insisted that injuries are part of football and that the squad must be prepared to adapt if Koulibaly is unavailable.

He added that it would be a major disappointment if the defender misses out, given his leadership role and importance to the team, but stressed that Senegal have previously replaced key figures and can do so again.

Sané, who currently works with Senegal’s youth setup, pointed to the strength of players already competing for defensive places, noting that competition within the squad remains high and healthy.

During recent international breaks, Koulibaly was named in the squad but did not feature, with several defenders rotated in his position as the coaching staff assessed alternatives ahead of the tournament.

Senegal are scheduled to face strong opposition in the group stage, including France, Norway and Iraq, making defensive stability a key factor in their ambitions.

Preparations have also been affected by logistical issues, with reports indicating visa complications for members of the Senegalese Football Federation ahead of travel to the United States.

Koulibaly, if fit, would be set for his third World Cup appearance, having previously represented Senegal in both the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Lamine Sané Backs Senegal Depth as Koulibaly Faces World Cup Injury Doubt

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