Anderlecht coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck has issued a concerning update on the injury status of defender Kara Mbodji, whose inactivity will be becoming an increasing worry for Senegal ahead of the World Cup.
The powerful stopper hasn't featured for the Mauves since December, having injured his knee, with treatment yet to have the desired effect, according to his manager.
"His treatment began eight weeks ago and we're yet to see any improvement," Vanhaezebrouck told journalists [as per RTBF]. "He maybe needs a new intervention.
"He definitely won't play before the start of the playoffs," added the coach, "and I'm even beginning to question whether he'll play again this season."
The news comes as a blow for Anderlecht, where Mbodji has established himself as one of the outstanding defensive players in the Jupiler League since moving from Genk in 2015.
He was previously linked with a move to Leicester City before signing for the Belgian giants, and his form had reportedly piqued the interest of Premier League heavyweights Liverpool according to the Mirror.
The 28-year-old's ongoing fitness concerns not only reduce the likelihood of a summer move to England, but also threaten his World Cup participation.
However, Vanhaezebrouck remains focused on what the defender's fitness battle means for Anderlecht, rather than the Lions of Teranga.
"It's still Anderlecht who pay him isn't it?" the coach concluded. "It would be regrettable that he doesn't play again this season in order to be able to go to the World Cup."
Senegal have been pitted against Colombia, Poland and Japan in Group H in Russia.