The Teranga Lions of Senegal will be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and defender Kalidou Koulibaly for their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations after both players tested positive for coronavirus.
Senegal who were runners-up at the 2019 edition of the tournament, face Zimbabwe in their opening Group B game on Monday (13:00 GMT).
Chelsea keeper Mendy, center-back Koulibaly, and striker Famara Diedhiou have all gone into isolation.
Coach Aliou Cisse said: “It’s a difficult and complicated situation.”
Cisse looks set to have just 17 players available for the match in Bafoussam because of several Covid-19 cases and injuries.
But he added: “We are going to be competitive and those there are going to play for those who are absent. We are still going into the game against Zimbabwe full of confidence.”
