Senegal and Bayern Munich superstar Sadio Mane has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a leg injury.
The Senegalese federation confirmed the forward's absence just days before the country's opening game against the Netherlands. Mane is now scheduled to undergo surgery.
There was hope the 30-year-old would recover in time when he was named to Senegal's roster shortly after suffering the injury with Bayern Munich.
The two-time recipient of Africa's Player of the Year award was injured 20 minutes into Bayern's win over Werder Bremen on Nov. 8.
Mane was initially ruled out of Senegal's "first games" before an MRI scan Thursday performed by Bayern's medical staff revealed he won't be able to recover in time to feature in Qatar.
It's a bitter blow for Mane, who was widely expected to be one of the top performers at the tournament. He's scored 11 goals in his first season at Bayern after starring at Liverpool.
Senegal, meanwhile, must navigate its way through the World Cup without its talisman. After playing the Netherlands, the Lions of Teranga will face host Qatar and Ecuador in Group A.
