Senegal handed boost as Sarr set to join AFCON camp

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner confirmed that Ismaila Sarr is close to participating with Senegal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The 2021 AFCON champion with Senegal was injured during a Premier League game against Manchester United and was at risk of missing the biggest African competition.

Oliver Glasner: “Ismaila Sarr has a little chance that he’s available for Man City. I expect him to travel to AFCON because they want to assess him. Every nation has the right to assess their players. I expect him to go and then let’s see.” #CPFC

— Bobby Manzi (@BobbyManzi) December 10, 2025

The 27-year-old forward is still nursing an ankle injury, but before the Europa Conference League game between Palace and Irish side Shelbourne FC, Glasner said the club will let Sarr join the Senegal national side despite his fitness concerns. “Ismaila Sarr is unlikely to be available for Manchester City. I think he will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations because the federation (FSF) wants to assess him. Every nation has the right to evaluate its players. I expect him to go, and we’ll see after that.”

Senegal are in Group D, drawn against DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. They will be facing Botswana in their AFCON opener on December 23. Head coach Pape Thiaw will be hoping the forward will be fit enough to be available for selection. Glasner previously stated that he didn’t expect Sarr to be at the AFCON because of an ankle injury.