Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye returned to action for Senegal on Tuesday, relieving doubts over his fitness following an ankle injury
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye was a second-half substitute for Senegal in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Malawi. The 24-year-old hobbled off the pitch during his nation’s 4-0 win over the same opposition on Friday, sparking concerns over his fitness.
But Everton’s hopes the knock was just a minor one were boosted by his appearance on Tuesday afternoon.
Ndiaye had left the pitch after receiving treatment on an ankle injury during last week’s match.
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Senegal boss Pape Thiaw said ahead of the return game: “Iliman was injured during the match. He trained [on Sunday] even though he wasn’t with the group on the pitch. He was at the hotel, he trained.”
Any doubts over his fitness were then allayed when Ndiaye came on just before the hour mark as Senegal sought a breakthrough in Lilongwe.
Clips from the Bingu National Stadium showed him moving well, fighting to win the ball and beating defenders as Sadio Mane grabbed a stoppage-time winner for the away side.
His immediate return to action provided a boost to Blues boss Sean Dyche, who has faced weeks of selection issues due to injuries and illness across the opening weeks of the campaign.
Ndiaye’s Everton team-mate Idrissa Gueye also featured for Senegal.
The Blues return to action on Saturday when they make the trip to Portman Road to take on newly promoted Ipswich Town.