Kalidou Koulibaly: Senegal will easily replace defender – Sane

Former Senegal defender Lamine Sané has discussed the injury of captain Kalidou Koulibaly insisting the African champions have players capable of replacing him ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While Al Hilal is in the final sprint to secure the Saudi Pro League title (two points behind Al Nassr) and the King of Champions Cup this Friday against Al-Kholood, Koulibaly will be unable to help his teammates.

Sidelined with a thigh injury since April 8, the African champion is not in the squad for the King of Champions Cup final this Friday. His long absence is a worry for Senegal, who will participate in the World Cup.

‘You can’t control injuries’

“We have players capable of filling his absence and Senegal has what it takes to compete in the World Cup,” Sane told the Agence de Presse Sénégalaise.

“We mustn’t be afraid, that’s football. You can’t control injuries. If Kalidou Koulibaly doesn’t come, it will be a huge disappointment. He’s the captain, he’s the key player for the national team.”

Sane added: “There are plenty of Senegalese players around the world. If the coach makes choices and Kalidou is unavailable, there will be replacements.

“It’s like when Kalidou Koulibaly joined the team; he replaced some players. I have faith in the coach and the team. I think they will achieve great things.”

Senegal to face France in opener

Senegal have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Iran. They will open their campaign against France on June 16.

The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, and will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities—eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

The tournament will be the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three nations, and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from 32.