Senegal’s Ismail Jakobs in doubt for AFCON 2025 as injury concerns grow

Senegal left-back Ismail Jakobs faces the real possibility of missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON in Morocco, with the player still recovering from an injury sustained while playing for his club Galatasaray.

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has openly opposed the idea of Jakobs joining the Senegalese national team for the tournament, stressing that the defender is currently far from match fitness.

“If we prepare these players and send them to the AFCON, we obviously won’t be satisfied because they will be injured. That’s why Ismail Jakobs needs to stay with us and finish his recovery. Because right now, he is not fit to play in this tournament,” Buruk said.

Galatasaray Coach Opposes Ismail Jakobs’ AFCON Call-Up Due to Injury

Buruk’s comments have raised concerns within Senegal’s camp, where head coach Pape Thiaw is reportedly worried about the defender’s availability. At 26, Jakobs has been an important figure for the Lions of Teranga, earning 24 caps since committing to Senegal.

With Jakobs’ fitness now uncertain and time running out before the continental showpiece, Thiaw may be forced to consider alternative options at left-back for the 2025 AFCON squad.