Mane leg injury ‘not too bad’ ahead of World Cup

Mane was substituted early in Bayern’s home match against Werder Bremen with an injury to his leg, replaced by former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane in the 20th minute.

The former Liverpool player went directly down the tunnel for further treatment. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Senegal forward Sadio Mane’s leg injury is “not too bad”, Bayern Munich assistant coach Dino Toppmoeller said on Tuesday.

Mane was substituted early in Bayern’s home match against Werder Bremen with an injury to his leg, replaced by former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane in the 20th minute.

The former Liverpool player went directly down the tunnel for further treatment.

Eventually, Serge Gnabry scored a hat-trick as Bayern moved four points clear at the top of the league ladder with a dominant 6-1 win.

Bayern’s win ensured they will finish the midweek round of matches in top spot. The reigning champions are four points above second-placed Freiburg who visit RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Mane’s injury gave rise to fears that the two-time African Footballer of the Year may not be fit for the start of Senegal’s World Cup campaign.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Topmoeller allayed fears Mane may miss the showpiece event, saying an early diagnosis indicated a nerve injury.

“He copped a knock on a nerve (in the leg). It seems to be not too bad.”

Senegal faces the Netherlands in its opener on November 21 in Qatar, before further Group A matches against the host and Ecuador.

Mane’s penalty in the shootout win over Egypt helped Senegal win its first ever Africa Cup of Nations title earlier this year.