Breaking: Patrick Vieira surprises with Mamadou Sarr’s replacement

Patrick Vieira has called up 21-year-old Union Saint-Gilloise defender Massiré Sylla to replace Mamadou Sarr for Senegal’s two matches against Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Sarr, on loan from Chelsea to Real Sociedad, is unavailable after sustaining a muscle injury to the soleus in his left leg against Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League. Born in Dakar and developed at Diambars, Sylla played in Norway for Lyn 1896 before joining the Belgian club in January 2026. His first national-team call-up rewards an impressive start to the season and reflects Vieira’s aim to refresh the squad.