Mali captain Yves Bissouma is doubtful for the Group A clash with the Atlas Lions of Morocco, reports Completesports.com.
The midfielder has been dealing with recovery of a recent injury.
Bissouma missed Les Aigles opening fixture against Zambia on Monday.
The 29-year-old’s presence at Thursday’s pre-match press conference offered assurance, but no clear answers.
Head coach Tom Saintfiet was keen to manage expectations, striking a calm and pragmatic tone as he addressed the situation.
“The reason Yves is here today is not because he will necessarily play tomorrow,” Saintfiet was quoted by CAFonline.
“There is no link between who sits next to me and who starts the match. Maybe he plays, maybe he doesn’t.”
For his part, the Tottenham Hotspur star appeared unfazed by the speculation.
Bissouma made it clear that personal concerns take a back seat when the national colours are at stake.
“What matters to me today is Mali,” he said.
“I am here and fully focused on tomorrow’s match. The rest doesn’t concern me.”
By Adeboye Amosu
