Patrick Vieira is expected to introduce several new faces when he names his first Senegal squad on Friday, with the Lions of Teranga preparing to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The former France international faces an immediate selection challenge, with key attackers Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye unavailable for Senegal’s opening qualifiers because of CAF suspensions.
Senegal will begin their qualifying campaign against Mozambique in Dakar on 25 September before travelling to Ethiopia four days later.
Sarr and Ndiaye are suspended following their behaviour towards the referee during the previous Africa Cup of Nations final, leaving Vieira without two important attacking options for the opening matches of his tenure.
Both players could return for Senegal’s friendly against Comoros in Marseille on 4 October, although Vieira may also decide to leave them out after what has been a demanding period, particularly following the recent transfer window.
The first squad announcement is therefore expected to offer an early indication of Vieira’s plans for the national team.
Senegal’s World Cup campaign ended at the round-of-32 stage, and the new manager is reportedly keen to gradually refresh the squad while retaining its established core.
One of the players expected to benefit from that approach is Sadibou Sané.
The 22-year-old central defender could make his senior debut after earning a move this summer from FC Metz to AS Monaco for an estimated €10m.
Sané has quickly established himself at Monaco, with his performances attracting attention because of his effectiveness in duels, aerial strength and composure when in possession.
His rise is another step in the development of a player who was part of the Senegal side that won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.
Although his involvement in that tournament was limited, Sané now appears to have reached a stage where he could make the transition into the senior national team.
Nobel Mendy is another defender expected to return to the Senegal setup.
The 22-year-old, who now plays for Hull City, made his senior international debut in March and offers Vieira versatility at the back.
Mendy can operate in central defence or on the left, potentially giving the new coach another option as he considers how to reshape the squad.
There had been some concern over Mendy after he suffered a minor injury towards the end of August, but the former Real Betis player has since returned to action.
His availability would allow Vieira to increase his defensive options while gradually introducing younger players into an area of the team that has traditionally relied heavily on experienced figures.
The first squad is not expected to represent a complete transformation of Senegal’s team.
Instead, Vieira’s initial selection could provide an early indication of how he intends to balance established players with emerging talent.
The absence of Sarr and Ndiaye is enforced, while injuries and the need to revitalise the squad following the World Cup could create further opportunities for younger players.
Sané, Lamine Sy and Mendy are among the players who could become early beneficiaries of the new cycle.
Vieira has already begun preparing for his first international gathering by planning visits to England and Italy to meet several members of his squad.
Those meetings could also help him assess some of the younger and dual-national players who may form part of his plans for Senegal in the coming years.
The new manager’s first competitive assignment will carry added significance beyond the start of AFCON qualifying.
Senegal will return to the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Stadium for the Mozambique fixture, bringing the Lions back to a historic home venue that they have not used regularly in recent years.
