Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw Provides Update on Kalidou Koulibaly Injury Ahead of France World Cup Clash

Pape Thiaw has given an update on the fitness of captain Kalidou Koulibaly ahead of Senegal’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against France. The Senegalese defender has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury during a training session with Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Thiaw offered a cautious but optimistic assessment of the defender’s recovery, while stressing that a final decision on his availability has not yet been made.

The Senegal coach explained that Koulibaly is being closely monitored by the medical team and that updates will be provided once there is clearer information on his condition.

“We are monitoring his progress in collaboration with the medical staff. We will communicate on this at the appropriate time, when we have more certainty. But the progress is positive.

We hope he will be ready. I think so and I believe he will be. We have confidence in our medical staff and our physical trainers,” said Thiaw.