Moussa Niakhate has been released from the Senegal squad after suffering an injury, ruling the new captain out of Sunday’s friendly against Comoros at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.
The Olympique Lyonnais defender underwent an MRI scan in Marseille on Thursday morning before Patrick Vieira decided he should leave the camp. The match is scheduled for 4 October.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed Niakhate’s withdrawal following the medical examination.
“Our player Moussa Niakhate, who is injured, underwent an MRI this morning in Marseille. After the examinations, Patrick Vieira decided to release him. The defender is therefore unavailable for Senegal–Comoros, scheduled for 4 October at the Velodrome, and will return to his club to continue his medical treatment. The FSF wishes him a speedy recovery.”
The exact nature of the injury, and how long Niakhate will be unavailable, have not been disclosed. He will now return to Lyon, where he will continue his treatment.
His absence is a significant setback for Vieira, who has given the 30-year-old an important role since taking charge of Senegal. Niakhate wore the captain’s armband in the team’s first two matches under the new manager, against Mozambique and Ethiopia.
It remains to be seen whether Vieira viewed him as an alternative to Sadio Mane, who is absent, or as his first-choice captain on the pitch. His selection nevertheless underlined the manager’s confidence in the defender.
Niakhate, a former Nottingham Forest player, has regularly worn the captain’s armband at club level since he was 20. Vieira appears to regard him as one of the senior figures capable of helping guide the next generation of the Lions.
His withdrawal therefore deprives Senegal of both an established member of their defence and one of their emerging leaders.
The Lions will have to reorganise before facing Comoros on Sunday afternoon at the Stade Velodrome. The friendly is intended to help Vieira continue building his side following his opening matches in charge of the national team.
Niakhate’s absence could give another defender the opportunity to establish himself within Vieira’s developing hierarchy. For the captain, the immediate priority will be to recover as quickly as possible before returning to his club and, at a future international camp, to a Senegal side in which he has already been entrusted with major responsibilities.