Patrick Vieira is expected to recall Sadio Mane for Senegal’s two-match meeting with Sudan, while Stade Brestois winger Pathe Mboup could receive his first senior call-up.

Vieira’s second squad announcement is due on Thursday ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers on 12 and 16 November. The Senegal manager is set to bring back one of the team’s key leaders while continuing the renewal of the squad that began in September.

Mane missed the previous international camp because of a physical problem but is expected to return to the national team. The former Liverpool forward did not retire from international football after the World Cup and, at 34, remains an important part of Senegal’s plans.

His inclusion would give Vieira another attacking option and add experience to a group undergoing transition. Vieira began his tenure without Mane for matches against Mozambique, Ethiopia and Comoros. The manager could now call on the forward for his first major appearance in front of a home crowd, against Sudan at Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor in Dakar on 12 November.

Iliman Ndiaye is also set to feature. The Manchester City player was suspended for Senegal’s first two qualifying matches before appearing in the 1-0 friendly victory over Comoros in Marseille. His inclusion would therefore represent a return to an official match under Vieira rather than a return to the squad itself.

The biggest novelty could be Mboup’s selection. Several Senegalese media outlets have reported that the 23-year-old is in contention to make his senior debut.

Mboup started each of Stade Brestois’ first nine Ligue 1 matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His work-rate, ability to take on defenders and experience on both wings would offer Vieira a different type of attacking player.

After spells including Standard de Liege and Pau, Mboup appears to have found the consistency that had previously eluded him at the highest level. A first call-up would recognise that progress, although it would not guarantee him a significant role immediately.

Competition for places in Senegal’s attack remains intense, with Mane, Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye, Assane Diao and Abdallah Sima among the available options.

Ismaila Sarr’s fitness could nevertheless create an opening. He missed the previous camp and remains a doubt because of another physical issue, potentially giving Mboup the chance to show he can become more than a squad newcomer.

Vieira must therefore balance the return of one of Senegal’s established figures with the introduction of a player who could form part of the team’s future. The matches against Sudan will offer him the opportunity to do both.