The Senegalese Football Federation said on Wednesday that Watford midfielder Ismaila Sarr may be able to play for Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 'positive development' in a medical checkup for her injured knee.
Sarr, who was injured in a Premier League match against Manchester United in November, was reluctantly released by Watford after his country was called up for the tournament in Cameroon.
"Sir is in Barcelona for a pre-planned medical examination to investigate his injury. These reviews have resulted in a positive development," a statement from the Senegalese Football Federation said.
"After discussions with his surgeon, Watford's medical staff and the Senegalese Football Federation as well as the player, it was agreed that Sir follow a rehabilitation program to return to the pitch.
"The program will last for two weeks after which he will join the squad in Cameroon. The player will be monitored daily to assess his progress."
Watford released Sir to travel to Dakar only after Senegal threatened to ask for FIFA's intervention.
The club, which is struggling near the leg of the Premier League, said in a statement this week that he was not fit to play after suffering a knee ligament injury on 20 November. It had provided details of the injury and MRI scans to Senegal, it said.
"The Hornets have also invited the Senegalese Football Federation to instruct its own independent surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and the rehabilitation period."
Senegal began their Cup of Nations campaign with a last-gasp win over Zimbabwe on Monday and face Guinea in Group B action at Baphosam on Friday.