Pape Thiaw says he remains confident that Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly will recover from injury in time to lead the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old defender has not played since suffering a thigh injury during training with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on 8 April.
Koulibaly was injured following a collision with a team-mate and has since missed six league matches for the Riyadh-based club, along with the King’s Cup of Champions final against Al Kholood.
Al Hilal went on to win that final 2-1, but concerns over Koulibaly’s fitness quickly shifted attention towards Senegal’s preparations for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
There had been fears that the experienced centre-back could miss the tournament altogether because of the injury setback.
However, Senegal coach Thiaw has moved to calm those concerns, revealing that the defender’s recovery is progressing positively and confirming that Koulibaly has been included in the country’s 28-man squad for the competition.
“He is the captain of this team, the one who brings everyone together,” Thiaw said.
The Senegal coach also expressed optimism that Koulibaly would regain full fitness before the tournament begins, stressing that the team are carefully managing his recovery.
“He is evolving very well in his recovery. I think that by three weeks before the World Cup, he will be ready for it. This World Cup is not a 100-meter race, it’s a marathon, and I believe he will be ready on time.”
Koulibaly remains one of Senegal’s most influential players and has been central to the national side’s recent success, both as a defensive leader and as captain of the Lions of Teranga.
His potential absence had raised concerns given the importance of his experience ahead of another major international tournament.
Senegal have been drawn in Group I for the World Cup and face a demanding start to the competition.
The West Africans will begin their campaign against France on 16 June before later facing Norway and Iraq in the group stage.
With the opening match approaching, Senegal’s coaching staff will continue monitoring Koulibaly’s rehabilitation in the hope that he can return to full training before the tournament begins.
Thiaw’s comments suggest the national team remain confident that their captain will be available when Senegal begin their World Cup challenge.
The defender’s leadership and experience are expected to play a significant role as Senegal seek to progress from a competitive group and make an impact on the global stage.
For now, attention remains fixed on Koulibaly’s recovery timetable, with Senegal hopeful their captain will be fit in time to lead the side at another major international tournament.
