Kalidou Koulibaly
CB
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Jun 20, 1991 (34)
Right
6'1"
196 lb
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Set for World Cup return
Koulibaly (thigh) has returned to full training with the Senegal squad and is feeling well after the thigh injury that kept him sidelined since April 8, with a decision on his involvement in Tuesday's friendly against Saudi Arabia to be made by the coaching staff, according to the player, per SeneNews. "I feel very well. We did things intelligently. We did not want to rush. I feel very well. I have resumed with the group for a few days. We will try to see if I will play against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. It is the coach who will decide."
Analysis: Koulibaly had been absent for exactly two months after sustaining the thigh injury during a training session at Al-Hilal, missing Senegal's recent friendly defeat against the United States. The Senegal captain's return to group training is a major boost for the reigning African champions heading into the World Cup, where they have been drawn in a group alongside France, Norway and Iraq. Senegal open their campaign against France on June 16 at the New York Stadium, with Koulibaly's leadership and defensive quality crucial to their chances of navigating a demanding group stage. Tuesday's friendly against Saudi Arabia will provide an important opportunity to assess whether the captain is ready to be thrown straight into competitive action.
Back in training
Koulibaly (quadriceps) has been involved in Senegal's practice work since Wednesday after dealing with physical discomfort, Marcel Dupuy of Match Afrique reports.
Analysis: Koulibaly should have enough time to regain match fitness if he avoids any setback prior to his team's World Cup opener against France on June 16. The center-back is a big presence in the Senegalese defense, having made 103 appearances for the senior national team and standing out as one of the squad's leaders. His potential inclusion alongside Moussa Niakhate would limit Mamadou Sarr to a substitute role.
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