Sadio Mane not ruled out of the World Cup – Bayern Munich clears air

The Senegalese forward suffered an injury that was initially feared could rule him out of the Mundial

Bayern Munich striker Sadio Mane can still be available to play at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Mane limped off in the first half of Bayern Munich’s 6-1 thrashing of Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening.

Reports earlier suggested that the injury could rule the former Liverpool ace out of the World Cup.

But Bayern Munich’s assistant coach Dino Toppmöller has allayed such fears, revealing that Mane’s injury was not that serious.

“Sadio Mané was hit on the leg, which caused him a little nerve pain,” Toppmöller said, as per the Guardian.

“Nothing too serious and his participation in the World Cup should not be in jeopardy.”

Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann was a bit more cautious in his approach, with the tactician reserving his comment until Mane undergoes medical tests.

“I can’t say anything for sure; he took a blow to the head of his shin,” Nagelsmann said.

“That’s an unpleasant spot; it radiates a bit into the muscles. I think he has to go to the X-ray to see if there is something there, because it is splintering easily.

“But I hope that nothing is wrong. I can’t say anything for sure yet.”

Senegal’s hopes of making any meaningful impact in Qatar rest significantly on Mane.

The two-time African Footballer of the Year is considered to be one of the best players in the world.

Mane, 30, was one of the key players when Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in January.