Kalidou Koulibaly and Pathé Ciss could be left out of Patrick Vieira’s first squad for the upcoming international break

Senegal’s new head coach is reported to have already sent out call-ups to the clubs ahead of the upcoming international break.

However, Kalidou Koulibaly and Pathé Ciss are reportedly absent from this first squad. According to reports, neither player has been called up by Patrick Vieira.

If confirmed, this decision would represent a bold move by the French tactician for his debut at the helm of the Lions of Teranga. This potential absence could see Kalidou Koulibaly and Pathé Ciss miss the first two matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Lions of Teranga are set to kick off their qualifying campaign at home against Mozambique on 25 September at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, on matchday 1. Four days later, on 29 September, Senegal will travel to Ethiopia for matchday 2.

The absence of Kalidou Koulibaly, a key figure in the Senegalese national team in recent years, is likely to be particularly noticeable. The defender has long worn the captain’s armband and played a key role within the Lions of Teranga.