Injury Raises Major Concerns for Senegal

Ismaïla Sarr’s participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is officially in jeopardy after the winger sustained an ankle ligament injury during Crystal Palace’s match against Manchester United in the Premier League. Following an awkward landing, club doctors confirmed ligament damage—though not a complete tear—leaving a slim window of hope for the player’s recovery ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

For now, Sarr has been ruled out of Palace’s next two fixtures against Burnley and Fulham, and additional tests will determine the full extent of the injury. With AFCON kicking off on December 21, time is running out for the Senegal international.

The news is a major blow for Senegal, where Sarr remains a fundamental piece in manager Aliou Cissé’s attacking structure, providing pace, verticality, and one-on-one threat on the wing.

Glasner Calls for Patience as Palace Await Final Diagnosis

During a press conference, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner shared more detail on the situation:

“There are issues with the ankle ligaments, but they are not completely torn. The ankle is very swollen. We need further assessment.”

The Austrian coach outlined two possible scenarios:

1. Sarr could recover just before AFCON and play one or two matches to regain rhythm.
2. The injury may force him to miss the tournament entirely.

For Senegal, losing Sarr would be a significant tactical and emotional setback. His ability to generate danger in isolation is often decisive in tight matches—precisely the type of contribution that defines AFCON knockout football.

Senegal Hope for a Positive Outcome

Inside the Senegalese camp, concern mixes with hope. Aliou Cissé continues to monitor the winger closely, fully aware that even a partially recovered Ismaïla Sarr can shift the balance in key moments.

AFCON is traditionally a tournament decided by individual brilliance, and losing a game-changer like Sarr would leave a noticeable void for the Lions of Teranga.

The coming medical updates will determine whether Ismaïla Sarr travels to Morocco as a protagonist… or remains in England to continue his recovery. For now, Senegal can do little but wait.