Senegal are hopeful first-choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy will be available for their World Cup Round of 16 encounter against Belgium after the shot-stopper travelled to Saudi Arabia for further medical assessment on an injury.
Mendy temporarily left the Senegal national team camp to undergo an evaluation by the medical staff of his club, Al-Ahli, with the aim of gaining a clearer understanding of his physical condition before the knockout stages of the competition.
The goalkeeper is currently receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, where his club’s medical team is carrying out additional examinations and closely monitoring his recovery.
Following those assessments, a medical report will be submitted to the Senegalese Football Federation. The findings will help determine the next phase of Mendy’s rehabilitation and ensure the recovery process is coordinated between his club and the national team.
Despite concerns surrounding his fitness, the early indications have been described as encouraging.
According to the available medical feedback, the injury is not considered serious, raising optimism within the Senegal camp that the goalkeeper could return in time for the country’s next World Cup fixture.
Medical staff believe the situation is manageable and expect an appropriate treatment programme to be implemented promptly through collaboration between Al-Ahli and Senegal’s medical team.
That positive assessment has strengthened expectations that Mendy will rejoin the national squad ahead of Senegal’s Round of 16 meeting with Belgium on Wednesday.
The knockout fixture represents Senegal’s next challenge at the World Cup, and the potential return of their first-choice goalkeeper would provide a timely boost as preparations continue.
Plans are already being made to manage Mendy’s return carefully should he receive medical clearance.
A tailored medical protocol is expected to be introduced to support his recovery, help him regain full fitness and minimise the risk of aggravating the injury or suffering a recurrence once he returns to competitive action.
While his temporary departure from the squad created uncertainty over his availability, confidence has remained high within the Senegal camp.
The positive medical outlook has eased fears surrounding the goalkeeper’s condition, with optimism growing that he will be back with the squad before the meeting with Belgium.
Senegal are now awaiting the medical report from Al-Ahli before making final decisions regarding Mendy’s reintegration into the squad, although current expectations are that he will resume training with the Lions in advance of Wednesday’s Round of 16 encounter.
The encouraging update has provided reassurance for Senegal as they prepare for the knockout phase, where hopes remain high that Mendy will be available to play a key role in the team’s bid to progress beyond Belgium.
