Senegal have confirmed the release of winger Ismaila Sarr from the team’s Africa Cup of Nations camp in Bafoussam following a suspected knee injury.
The 23-year-old did not feature in the Lions of Teranga’s 1-0 win against Zimbabwe in their Group B opener on Monday, as he was still troubled with the injury he sustained while on duty for Watford against Manchester United in a Premier League clash on November 20.
Ahead of their second group match against Guinea on Friday, Senegal have confirmed Sarr has been allowed to travel to Barcelona to see a knee specialist.
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) informs that the player Ismaila Sarr is currently in Barcelona [Spain] for medical check-ups planned for a long time to judge the evolution of his injury, these reviews show positive development,” read part of the statement from Senegal Football Federation General Secretary Victor Seh Cisse posted on their website.
“After discussions with her surgeon, the medical staff of Watford, that of the FSF as well as the player, it was agreed that Ismaila Sarr would follow rehabilitation program with a view to returning to the field.
“This program was stopped by mutual agreement two weeks after which he will return to the Den. He is expected in the Den in Cameroon immediately after.
“Close daily monitoring will be done in order to assess the player’s progress. Until then, the FSF will keep the opinion of the player’s situation regularly informed.”
At first, Watford had refused to release Sarr for national team duties, insisting the player was injured and cannot take part in AFCON but the decision did not go down well with Senegal, who threatened to report the club to world governing body Fifa after which they changed their tune and released the player.
Sarr missed the opener as Liverpool winger Sadio Mane converted a stoppage-time penalty to help sink the stubborn Warriors at Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium.
Although, it remains to be seen means if Sarr will return to Cameroon just in time for Senegal’s final group phase clash against Malawi on January 18.
