Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy remains unavailable for Al-Ahli as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup.
The 34-year-old was left out of Al-Ahli’s squad for their Saudi King’s Cup match against Al-Anwar on Monday, despite the Saudi Arabian club securing a 2-1 victory.
Mendy’s continued absence means he will have to wait longer before making his return to competitive football after suffering the injury while representing Senegal at the World Cup.
The Al-Ahli captain had already missed his side’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Diriyah, which Al-Ahli won 1-0. His omission from the King’s Cup squad confirms that he is not yet considered ready to resume playing.
Mendy injured his left knee during Senegal’s 3-2 defeat by Norway at the World Cup. The goalkeeper was substituted in the 62nd minute and subsequently missed Senegal’s round-of-16 meeting with Belgium.
He has since been undergoing rehabilitation as he works towards recovering full fitness.
Al-Ahli have not provided a specific timetable for Mendy’s return. The club is instead taking a cautious approach, with its medical staff monitoring his condition as he progresses through his recovery.
The priority is to ensure that the experienced goalkeeper returns fully fit rather than rushing him back into action and risking a setback.
Mendy’s absence is significant for Al-Ahli given his position as captain and his experience at both club and international level.
The Saudi side will therefore be hoping that his rehabilitation continues without complications as the season develops.
The Senegal international’s injury also represents a concern for his national team, although his immediate focus remains on recovering with his club.
Mendy has been an important figure for Senegal and was part of the side that suffered the 3-2 defeat by Norway at the 2026 World Cup. His injury during that match prevented him from continuing in the tournament.
After being replaced in the second half against Norway, Mendy was unable to feature in the last-16 fixture against Belgium.
Since then, the goalkeeper has remained away from competitive action while undertaking his rehabilitation programme.
His latest absence came despite Al-Ahli’s involvement in another competitive fixture. The club defeated Al-Anwar 2-1 in the King’s Cup, but Mendy was not part of the squad.
Al-Ahli had also managed to begin their Saudi Pro League campaign without him, beating Al-Diriyah 1-0.
The club’s medical team is understood to be taking a day-by-day approach to his recovery, with the aim of ensuring that he is physically ready before returning to the pitch.
There is currently no confirmed date for Mendy’s comeback.
