AFCON 2025: Injury woes deepen for Senegal as Ballo-Touré and Mboula suffer setbacks

Senegal’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations suffered another blow as Fodé Ballo-Touré and Urie-Michel Mboula both sustained injuries during FC Metz’s clash with Le Havre on Sunday.

The Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade Océane turned into a frustrating afternoon for Metz, who were forced into unexpected changes before and during the match. Ballo-Touré, who was set to start, pulled out moments before kick-off after experiencing severe neck stiffness during the warm-up.

His absence disrupted the team’s initial game plan, forcing coach Stéphane Le Mignan to alter his starting lineup. Mboula, returning from a hamstring injury, stepped in as a replacement but failed to complete the match. He left the field at half-time after showing signs of a possible relapse, adding to Metz’s injury concerns.

The double setback forced Le Mignan into a tactical reshuffle. He switched to a three-man defensive setup and introduced Georgian defender Giorgi Tsitaishvili as a makeshift left-back. Tsitaishvili, initially named among the substitutes, filled the role as Metz adjusted their system to cope with the unexpected absences.

Despite the tactical changes and a disciplined defensive display, Metz struggled to create clear chances in attack. Their efforts failed to break down a compact Le Havre defence, and the match ended in a goalless draw.

The result leaves Metz stuck in 18th place with only two points from their opening fixtures. Le Havre, meanwhile, sit slightly higher in 15th as both sides continue to search for form early in the campaign.

For Senegal, the injuries raise significant concerns ahead of the AFCON in Morocco. Ballo-Touré, a key defensive option, has been an important figure in the national team setup. His latest setback could affect his readiness for the tournament if the issue persists.

Mboula’s situation is equally worrying. The forward had just returned from a previous injury, and another physical problem could limit his chances of regaining match sharpness before the competition. Both players remain under medical observation as their clubs await updates on the severity of their conditions.

Coach Le Mignan expressed frustration after the match, acknowledging how the injuries disrupted his team’s rhythm and preparation. He highlighted the importance of squad depth, especially in a demanding season where injuries can quickly alter plans.

Metz must now regroup ahead of their next fixtures while monitoring the fitness of their sidelined players. Their lack of attacking efficiency also remains a concern, as the team continues to search for its first league win of the season.

For Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, the developments add another layer of complexity to his AFCON plans. The tournament, scheduled from December 2025 to January 2026, will demand a fully fit squad if the reigning champions hope to defend their title.

Ballo-Touré and Mboula’s situations underline the unpredictable nature of pre-tournament preparations. Senegal’s technical staff will now wait anxiously for medical assessments, hoping both players recover in time to join the squad for their title defence.

The latest injury setbacks serve as a reminder of how fragile tournament preparations can be. With AFCON fast approaching, Senegal’s hopes of fielding their strongest squad now depend heavily on the recovery of key players.