Senegal star Mane injured in Bayern Munich game ahead of FIFA World Cup

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) – Senegal star Sadio Mane was injured Tuesday while playing for Bayern Munich, just 12 days before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

"He took a blow to his tibial plateau. It's a painful spot. He'll have to have an X-ray to see what's happened," Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann said after the game.

Mane went down holding his right leg in the 20th minute of the Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen as he was replaced by German striker Leroy Sane.

The Bavarians hammered Werder Bremen 6-1.

Mane has been one of the integral parts of Senegal, helping them to win the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations title, and won the African Footballer of the Year award in 2019.

The 30-year-old scored 33 goals in 92 matches for "the Lions of Teranga."

He led Liverpool to win one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Mane also played a key role in the English club's long-awaited Premier League title in 2020.

The left-winger made a total of 23 appearances for the Bavarians, producing 11 goals and four assists.

The Qatar 2022, the first World Cup ever to be held during the Northern Hemisphere winter, will kick off on Nov. 20.

During the 29-day event, 32 nations will make appearances in a total of 64 matches for the 2022 World Cup trophy.