Reading defender spurns Senegal call-up
Reading defender Ibrahima Sonko has declined an international call-up to ensure he is ready for the Royals’ Premeirship debut aganist Middlesbrough.
Sonko will not play for Senegal in a friendly against the Ivory Coast on August 16 to protect a niggling ankle problem.
“I won’t be going, it’s just before the start of the season. My ankle is still a little sore from playing on it last season, and I don’t want to risk it,” he said.
Sonko also declined a call-up for the African Nations Cup earlier this year to help Reading’s promotion push.
But he insists his decision to stay with Reading is not a snub to Senegal - even though he still remains eligible to play for France.
Sonko added: “I can still play for France but I’m not thinking about that. For now, only Senegal have shown an interest and I respect that.
“They’ve been interested in me for three years and the least I can do is show them full respect.”
Brynjar Gunnarsson’s involvement in Iceland’s friendly with Spain in Rekjavik on August 16 is in doubt after he came home early from Reading’s pre-season tour of Sweden to receive treatment on a groin injury.
