One can hardly find the words to describe the misfortune of Sadio Mane ahead of the World Cup. The AFCON champion should have been leading his country in the tournament of a lifetime. But the injury sustained ten days ago sent his dreams and the Senegalese people’s optimism to crash.##NAJAVA_MECA_6824770##Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgil Van Dijk said that he’s sad to see his buddy miss out – even if it means Oranje would face a weakened opponent in their Group A clash.”I am sorry that Sadio misses the match against us because this World Cup simply deserves the best players. Sadio is one of them. He is world class, he is my friend, and I will miss him.”The pair were set for a reunion as their nations faced off in their first group game at the World Cup, but the unfortunate leg injury prevented what would have been a beautiful reunion. Mane is Senegal’s talisman, having scored 34 goals in 93 caps since making his debut for the national team in 2012.’I am very sad for him (Sadio Mane) that he’s going to miss the majority of the tournament.’ – Van Dijk 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/XyliXG91m9— GOAL Africa (@GOALAfrica) November 18, 2022 Van Dijk knows better than most how his former Liverpool teammate will feel after he was forced to miss the delayed Euro 2020 tournament after suffering a serious knee injury.”Of course, I’ve spoken to him. I was feeling sad for him, first and foremost. I’m not happy in this case, and I’ve been in a situation where I missed the Euros. We, as players, we work so hard to get to this stage. He has been such an essential figure in that group, for their country. It’s tough and I feel sorry for him.”Je souhaite prompt rétablissement à Sadio Mané après son forfait définitif pour le mondial #Qatar2022 . Bon courage Ñañthio. La santé avant tout. Tu reviendras encore plus fort !— Macky Sall (@Macky_Sall) November 17, 2022 Mane’s absence has saddened fans around the world. Even the president of Senegal president Malky Sall tweeted his support for the nation’s hero, wishing him a quick recovery and strength.
