Senegal forward Keita Balde is set to miss the 2022 Qatar World Cup after being suspended until December 22.
The Senegalese forward has been suspended for an anti-doping violation following a ruling by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal.
Keita was found to have broken the law while playing for Serie A side Cagliari.
Also Read: Pobga’s Brother, 4 Others Charged in Blackmail Saga
The 27-year-old forward is currently on a three-year deal with Russian Premier League side Spartak having joined them in August 2022.
Balde who was in the Senegal squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February 2022, is expected to be back with the national team on December 5.
He is also expected to get back to training three weeks before the end of his suspension.
“The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which has already spoken with the player, is closely monitoring the development of the situation and will notify the result in consultation with its medical team.
“The FSF, therefore, announces the player's upcoming absence from the national team rally in Orléans from September 19, 2022.
“Diao Keïta Balde will therefore be able to resume training no earlier than 22 days before the expiry date of the suspension,” a letter from Senegal Football Federation read.
Senegal begins their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on November 21, in group A.
The other teams in the same group are hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
Also Read: French Federation Responds to Mbappe Photo Shoot Drama