Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will miss Al Ahli’s opening match of the new Saudi Pro League season as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The 34-year-old was not included in Al Ahli’s squad for Thursday’s trip to face Al-Diriyah, meaning the Saudi club will begin its league campaign without the goalkeeper who played a key role in its previous season.
Mendy suffered the injury during Senegal’s World Cup group-stage match against Norway on 22 June.
Senegal lost the game 3-2, with Mendy sustaining damage to his left knee.
The injury forced the former Chelsea goalkeeper to withdraw from the remainder of Senegal’s World Cup campaign. He subsequently missed the team’s matches against Iraq and Belgium.
His continued absence is another concern for Al Ahli as the club prepares for a new campaign following several changes to its squad and coaching staff.
Al Ahli will travel to Riyadh for the meeting with Al-Diriyah, scheduled for Thursday at 18:00 GMT, but Mendy will not be part of the travelling squad.
The Senegal international’s importance to the Saudi side is underlined by his contribution last season.
He made 41 appearances across all competitions, conceding 35 goals while keeping 19 clean sheets.
His absence leaves Al Ahli without an experienced presence in goal at the start of a campaign in which the club will also have to adapt to other significant changes.
The Saudi club has lost several established players, including Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessié and Algeria international Riyad Mahrez.
There has also been a change in the dugout, with Matthias Jaissle leaving his position as coach.
Mendy’s return will therefore be closely monitored as Al Ahli attempt to build on their previous campaign. For now, however, the Senegalese goalkeeper remains unavailable as he works his way back to full fitness.
Mendy joined Al Ahli after leaving Chelsea and has established himself as an important figure for both club and country.
His experience at the highest level includes international football with Senegal and a spell in the Premier League with Chelsea.
His latest injury represents another interruption to a career that has already seen him become one of Senegal’s most recognisable goalkeepers.
