Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng is set to withdraw from the Senegal Africa Cup of Nations squad due to injury, according to the Senegalese press (via 13FootballC).
Dieng was able to travel with the Senegal national team thanks to Middlesbrough, where Tom Glover, the backup, has filled in for him in the games that have passed since his departure. The 29-year-old will, however, be returning to Teesside sooner than anticipated.
The Senegalese press (via 13FootballC) reports that the goalkeeper is anticipated to leave the Africa Cup of Nations in order to return to Middlesbrough and begin his recuperation. The severity of the injury is yet unknown, as is the likelihood that he will be able to play in the upcoming weeks or if it is a more serious issue.
“Doctors are very attentive to Boulaye Dia’s cases and Seny Dieng,” said Senegal manager Aliou Cisse. After the game, we’ll assess their physical condition. However, it appears that this is becoming a more tangible issue, as standby replacements being prepared.
Could this benefit Boro?
It is difficult to determine whether or not Boro would gain from the injury given the nature of it and the uncertain timeline for his return to activity. However, this can be advantageous for them if the ailment is only temporary.
The Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Chelsea is not until the end of the month, so if Dieng can recover fully in the next few weeks, that match might be a goal and an ideal opportunity to come back into the starting lineup.
Worst case scenario, Boro do have a safe pair of hands deputising in Dieng’s absence. He put in a Man of the Match performance against Premier League side Aston Villa in the FA Cup at the weekend and will continue in goal for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in midweek and beyond until Dieng is passed fit.
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