Bayern Munich assistant coach, Dino Toppmoeller, has played down Sadio Mane’s injury as ‘nerve pain’ and claimed he should be fit in time for the World Cup.
He said the problem is not ‘too serious’, but the club’s boss Julian Nagelsmann admitted they will know more after a scan.
The German club, however, confirmed that the Senegal International will miss their match at the weekend, as a result of an injury that saw Mane hobbling off the pitch just 20 minutes into their last game.
The Bundesliga clash at home to Werder Bremen on Tuesday night, resulted in a huge 6-1 victory over their opponent.
This could end Mane’s chances of playing at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The news is a potential blow for Senegal and another disappointment for Qatar 2022, which appears set to lose another of its big-name players.
Reports from French outlet L’Equipe claimed it’s not good news, with a report on Wednesday morning saying his World Cup dream is over.
Mane booked his nation’s place in Qatar by firing in the decisive penalty in their victory over Egypt – and then-Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah – in the World Cup play-offs.
The Senegalese are due to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on November 21. They also face Ecuador and host nation Qatar in Group A.
However, Bayern haven’t ruled Mane out of the finals in Qatar as they confirmed the player’s diagnosis.
A statement read: “Sadio Mane has suffered an injury to the head of his right fibula in FC Bayern’s 6-1 win against Werder Bremen. Africa’s Footballer of the Year will miss Saturday’s game against Schalke.
“Further examinations will follow in the coming days. FC Bayern is also in contact with the medical staff of the Senegalese Football Association.”