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The Lionheart of Senegal was named in his country's World Cup squad despite his injury situation.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has commiserated with his former teammate Sadio Mane following his World Cup injury woes for Senegal.
Mane is expected to miss the World Cup opener at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to an injury.
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The 30-year-old suffered what looked like a major injury ahead of the tournament after he limped off during Bayern Munich's game against Werder Bremen.
Mane limped off after just 20 minutes in the 6-1 win over Bremen and was said to have injured his tendon.
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However, he was named in the Senegal 26-man squad but has now been ruled out for the opener against Van Dijk's Netherlands.
Van Dijk feels sorry for Mane
Ahead of their opener against Senegal, Van Dijk has reacted to Mane's injury, feeling sorry for the African footballer of the year who has been ruled out for the opener against the Netherlands.
"Of course (I have spoken to him),' he said per Mail Online. ''I was feeling 'I was feeling sad for him, first and foremost."
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"I’m not happy in this case and I’ve been in that situation where I missed the Euros. I know for a fact that he will put a brave face on it, but it’s tough and I feel sorry for him."
Senegal will be tough
On the opener against the Teranga Lions, the Liverpool superstar added that the Dutch team will face a tough game regardless of Mane's situation.
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''It’s going to be tough if he plays or not,'' he added. ''I don't think he will play, but Senegal have a fantastic team."
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