The prolonged absence of Senegal’s esteemed defender and captain, Kalidou Koulibaly of Al-Hilal, due to a persistent thigh injury, is generating considerable apprehension with the FIFA World Cup just under two months away.
Across Senegal, worry is escalating over the star center-back. At 34 years old, with an impressive 102 international appearances and 2 goals for the national team, Kalidou Koulibaly has not featured for his Saudi Pro League club, Al-Hilal, since April 8th.
Sustaining a thigh injury during a training session, the former Napoli stalwart currently has no clear timetable for his return to competitive play. This uncertainty comes just over six weeks before the global tournament, where the Lions of Teranga are slated to compete in Group I against formidable opponents: France, Norway, and Iraq.
Al-Hilal maintains cautious stance on Koulibaly’s return
In a recent press briefing, Al-Hilal’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, adopted a notably prudent tone regarding the defender’s condition. « We currently have two injured players, Malcom and Koulibaly. Malcom has made his return and is naturally ready. As for Koulibaly, he sustained a thigh contusion which resulted in a hematoma. We are monitoring his condition daily, and his return will be contingent on his response to treatment over the coming days, » the Italian tactician explained, offering limited specifics.
The Saudi club further clarified, stating: « Kalidou Koulibaly has been diligently following his rehabilitation program at the Meena clinic, located at the club’s headquarters. This follows medical examinations conducted in Spain, which indicated a requirement for additional treatment sessions for his injury in the anterior thigh muscle. » With only six league matches remaining for Al-Hilal, considerable uncertainty persists surrounding this critical case. Having already missed the Africa Cup of Nations final and the March friendly matches against Peru (2-0) and Gambia (3-1), the pressing question remains: will Kalidou Koulibaly recover sufficiently to play again before the highly anticipated World Cup?
