The reason for Sadio Mané’s absence from Patrick Vieira’s first squad, revealed

The legendary Senegalese striker is not among the 29 players called up by the new manager to face Mozambique and Ethiopia in the first two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Sadio Mané’s absence from the squad unveiled by Patrick Vieira on Friday 18 September has been met with confusion. Eagerly anticipated to kick off Senegal’s qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the Al-Nassr striker was not selected.

But there is a clear reason why the 34-year-old striker was not selected by Patrick Viera. The manager of the Lions of Ternaga provided an explanation at a press conference following the announcement of his squad.

According to Patrick Viera, Sadio Mané’s absence is due to his fitness. He will return to the squad after the first two matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Senegal manager has promised.

“I spoke to Sadio on the phone. He is suffering from a minor physical niggle and will therefore not be with us for this training camp. He should, however, be back with us for the next one.”

Senegal will face Mozambique and Ethiopia in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, before taking on the Comoros in a friendly.