The usual gulps started doing the rounds ahead of the North London Derby this weekend, as Pape Matar Sarr was escorted by medical staff and appeared in some discomfort during his International against Brazil.
Several outlets have run with this as another disaster, but Senegal manager Pape Thiaw initially said the injury wasn’t serious and told the press:
“I don’t think it’s a big deal. We left him in London. He took a knock. So we felt it would be difficult for him to recover in just two days. We left him in London. He took a knock. So we felt it would be difficult for him to recover in just two days.”
Sarr was substituted as a precaution after a challenge from Matheus Cunha. Senegal manager Pape Thiaw confirmed:
“He got hit and then didn’t feel well, so as a precaution, he preferred to come off.”
Sarr did not travel with Senegal to Turkey for their November 18 friendly against Kenya. Instead, he stayed in London for immediate assessment and treatment by Tottenham’s medical team, accelerating his recovery process.
This knock adds to Spurs’ injury woes (e.g., Dominic Solanke’s ongoing ankle issue, potentially returning by late 2025), but Sarr’s case is surely the least concerning. Official club updates are anticipated after Tuesday’s international fixtures conclude, with training resuming November 19.
It is our understanding that Sarr is undergoing light training and monitoring at Tottenham’s Hotspur Way facility. He’s grouped with other returning players like Lucas Bergvall (concussion recovery) for tailored rehab ahead of club resumption.
As for Solanke, he has been progressing positively, but is not yet back in full team training. On November 17, he shared a cryptic social media update hinting at “dark times” during recovery but emphasizing determination to return stronger, without specifying a timeline.
Head coach Thomas Frank noted on November 7 that the international break (ending November 18) would be “key” for assessing next steps, stressing caution to avoid a relapse.
