Sadio Mane has opted out of a reunion with his former Liverpool teammates as his Senegal side take on England this week.
The 33-year-old was unable to play any part the last time these two teams met at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to fitness issues.
England will be thankful that Senegal are without talismanic figure Mane
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England will be thankful that Senegal are without talismanic figure ManeCredit: AFP
Just months after ending his six-year spell at Anfield to join Bayern Munich, Mane suffered a leg injury that ruined his tournament.
It means the winger had to watch from the sidelines, as England eliminated his country at the last-16 stage following a 3-0 win.
Jordan Henderson, who was Mane's captain at Liverpool, opened the scoring in that game and is expected to be involved again here.
However, the Ajax midfielder won't be facing the Senegalese star, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones also missing a reunion.
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Mane is officially missing the contest due to personal reasons, having opted out of Senegal's fixtures over the June international break.
The Al Nassr star asked to be excused following extensive criticism and online abuse over his recent performances for his national team.
Mane was said to have been left disheartened after being the focus of harsh trolling following Senegal's World Cup qualifiers in March.
The Lions of Teranga drew 0-0 against Sudan, before beating Togo 2-0, with Mane starting both matches but failing to find the net.
Responding to the critics, he said afterwards: "A lot is said about me and I think I'm the most criticised player in Senegal.
"I don't have a problem with it. Everyone is free to give their opinion. But there must be better things to do than criticise Sadio Mane. What does it even get you?"
Henderson went toe-to-toe with Mane in the Saudi Pro League
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Henderson went toe-to-toe with Mane in the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: Getty
As a result, his request to be omitted from the 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Friday and against England was reluctantly granted.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said: “It is a personal decision that belongs to Mane - and I respect it as a coach. Sadio is a very important player for us.
“But I don’t coach one player, I coach 26 players, and so the most important thing is the collective.
"I have put together a squad of players who are available and ready to fight with pride for the national jersey.”
Mane boasts a stellar record for his country, netting 45 goals in 113 caps for Senegal since his debut in 2012.
His most memorable moment on the international stage came at the expense of his then-Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah.
Salah has admitted that he and Mane were not great friends at Liverpool
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Salah has admitted that he and Mane were not great friends at LiverpoolCredit: Getty
Mane netted the decisive penalty against Egypt in the 2021 African Cup of Nations final, atoning for his earlier spot-kick miss in that match.
Liverpool went on to win both domestic cups months later, while finishing second in the Premier League and becoming beaten Champions League finalists, propelling Mane to a career-high second-place finish in that year's Ballon d'Or.
Augustin Senghor, president of the Senegalese Football Federation, commented on his self-imposed exile this month: "Of course, it's a heartbreak because everyone knows what Sadio means to our team.
"Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise, both for him and for us.
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"We hope to have him back in top form for future matches, but this is a great opportunity for others to show themselves.
"The most important thing is that Sadio is there and ready for the big events to come."
The 33-year-old winger faces an uncertain future in Saudi Arabia
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The 33-year-old winger faces an uncertain future in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
He is currently playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at club level
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He is currently playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at club levelCredit: AFP