Sadio Mane Injured Just Days Before Senegal's World Cup Opener; Here's What We Know

Senegal forward Sadio Mane has picked up a knock just days before the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Mane suffered the injury during Bayern Munich's thumping 6-1 victory over Bremen on Tuesday. The former Liverpool star hurt his tibia and was surrounded by teammates as he sat on the field in pain. He was soon examined by the medical staff and was taken off the field. Leroy Sane replaced Mane in the 22nd minute.

Any injury just before the World Cup is no good news. However, it may be a positive sign that Mane pulled himself up and walked off the field without needing anyone's support. After being substituted, Mane went straight down the tunnel for further treatment, according to BBC Sport.

"He got hit on the top part of the tibia which always makes you feel uncomfortable. He needs to have an X-ray to look whether there is anything bad because this part easily splinters. We hope that it's nothing (serious)," Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann told reporters after the game at Allianz Arena.

Mane's injury has come just 13 days ahead of Senegal's opening game in the World Cup, against the Netherlands in Group A on Nov. 21. Following this, the African Champions will face Qatar and Ecuador.

Mane, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, is a key player for Senegal. His penalty in the shootout over Egypt helped Senegal win their first Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year. Later in the year, Mane helped Senegal qualify for the Qatar World Cup, which once again happened at the expense of Mohamed Salah's Egypt.

Bayern Munich signed Mane from Liverpool this summer for $41 million on a three-year contract. Having made 23 appearances for the Bundesliga champions this season, in all competitions, Mane has netted 11 goals and provided four assists.

Mane spent six seasons at Liverpool, from 2016 to 2022. He scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists in 269 competitive matches for the Reds. He helped Jurgen Klopp's side win several trophies, including the Premier League and the Champions League.

In the last four appearances for Senegal, Mane has been on the goals chart on three occasions. Having made his international debut in 2012, the Senegalese winger has netted 33 goals and 20 assists in 92 games for his country.