Senegal Misses Sadio Mane for Friendlies Against Ireland, England

Sadio Mane will not participate in Senegal's upcoming friendly matches against Ireland and England, having requested to be excused from the squad, according to coach Pape Thiaw. Mane, who has earned 111 caps, has faced criticism for recent performances and is the only major absentee from the 26-man roster. The squad includes a newcomer, midfielder Mamadou Lamine Camara, and returns of several players absent from previous matches, such as Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye. Senegal is scheduled to face Ireland in Dublin on June 6 and England in Nottingham on June 10. Coach Thiaw described Mane's decision as personal and respected it, while veteran players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr, and Edouard Mendy remain in the squad. Injuries have also impacted selection, with young striker Assan Diao left out due to recovery issues.