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Senegal to include injured Sadio Mane in African Nations Cup squad

#INSERT type:image caption:Gattuso won two Champions Leagues and two Serie A titles during his 13 years at Milan. END#

Injured Southampton midfielder Sadio Mane will be in Senegal's final 23-man squad for the African Nations Cup -- despite the south coast club saying the injured player faced several weeks on the sidelines.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Senegal coach Alain Giresse said Mane, who suffered a calf muscle injury in the 2-0 Premier League home win over Arsenal on New Year's Day, was "in the list of 23 players" and "has a muscle problem at the moment."

Giresse -- who had been expected to name a final squad but declined to commit to a definitive list -- said Mane would be examined by national team doctors with a view to joining the squad on Jan. 11.

He also revealed that West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho would be on his list despite injury.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman had said after the Arsenal game that Mane faced between four and six weeks out of action.

Senegal begin their Group C campaign against Ghana in Mongomo, and also play Algeria and South Africa at the group stage.