Senegal manager Aliou Cisse could miss his side’s World Cup last 16 clash with England after he failed to show up for the pre-match press conference due to illness.
The champions of Africa will take on England on Sunday with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Managers of each team are tasked with facing questions from the media a day before each match. However, Senegal boss Cisse was replaced by his assistant after feeling unwell. Despite this, he is still expected to be on the touchline on Sunday evening.
Senegal’s assistant coach, Regis Bogaert said: “He has been sick for a couple of days now. He let us take charge of training yesterday, obviously with his instructions to the players.
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“Hopefully tomorrow he will be able to come and be on the bench with the players but we are sure at 10pm he will be there with the team.
“I can confirm he is sick and has a bit of a temperature, that is why we have to be careful with his situation.”
Although England are the favourites to get through to the next round, Bogaert has called on his side to take inspiration from Cameroon and Tunisia’s surprise victories over Brazil and France.
“The message is a strong one, We've seen Cameroon can beat Brazil and Tunisia can beat France so we know Senegal can beat England,” Bogaert said.
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“That's what we're aiming for. That's an important message.”
After his side sealed a place in the last 16, Gareth Southgate warned that Senegal are a dangerous team.
The Three Lions boss said: “From now, from when we get the coach to go home, we'll be studying the games to prepare for the game.
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“We obviously know quite a few of the individuals, some big players playing in big leagues in Europe, some playing in England.
“We know that on the rankings we'll be the favourites. We've got to deal with that. But we play a very dangerous team.”
England vs Senegal will kick off on Sunday 4 December at 19:00 UK time.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: England, Senegal, Football World Cup, Football