Koulibaly eyes return as Sénégal – Arabie Saoudite nears Tuesday
Senegal’s final World Cup warm-up arrives Tuesday at 23:00 GMT in San Antonio, where sénégal – arabie saoudite will test a squad still adjusting after a 2-3 loss to the United States. Kalidou Koulibaly is back in training, and his availability remains one of the biggest questions before the match.
Koulibaly back with Senegal
The captain said he has rejoined the group after missing Senegal’s defeat to the United States and recovering from a thigh injury that began after contact with a club teammate. He had not played since 8 April before this run-in to the World Cup.
“J’ai repris avec le groupe depuis quelques jours. On va essayer de voir si je vais jouer peut-être face à l’Arabie Saoudite mardi en amical. C’est le coach qui décidera. Le début de la compétition arrive. On n’a plus de choix à faire,” Koulibaly said on Sunday.
San Antonio test before New Jersey
Saudi Arabia arrives after beating Puerto Rico 3-0 in Austin, Texas, last week, giving Senegal a second straight opponent with recent match sharpness. Senegal will also train Monday on the pitch of the stadium that will host the friendly, a final field session before the game.
The match is Senegal’s last preparation game before the World Cup, and the team will head to its base camp in New Jersey on 11 June after it ends. Senegal is in the same group as France, Norway and Iraq, so Tuesday’s lineup decision matters immediately for the months ahead.
Senegal's World Cup path
Senegal opens against France on 16 June at the New York stadium, then meets Norway on 23 June at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before finishing the group stage against Iraq on 26 June in Toronto. The tournament runs in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July.
For Senegal, the late decision on Koulibaly is the cleanest read on Tuesday’s stakes: one more rehearsal, one more chance to settle the defense, and one last look before the World Cup schedule begins to tighten.
