Senegal have suffered a major setback ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup Group I clash against Iraq after first-choice goalkeeper Édouard Mendy was ruled out through injury.
The 34-year-old sustained a left knee injury during Senegal’s 3-2 defeat to Norway at MetLife Stadium on Monday and was forced off in the 63rd minute, with Mory Diaw taking his place between the posts.
The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that Mendy will miss Friday’s crucial encounter in Toronto following medical assessments conducted by the national team’s medical staff.
In a statement, the federation said the goalkeeper had suffered a left knee injury and would be unavailable for the team’s next match. Further examinations are being carried out to determine the full extent of the problem and assess whether he could play any further part in the tournament.
The news comes as a significant blow to the Teranga Lions, who are already facing a battle to qualify for the knockout stages. Senegal have lost both of their opening Group I matches and sit bottom of the standings with no points and a goal difference of minus three.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly admitted the injury affected the squad mentally during the defeat to Norway and expressed hope that the problem would not prove too serious.
Despite conceding six goals across matches against France and Norway, Mendy has been one of Senegal’s standout performers at the tournament. He produced a string of important saves, including excellent stops to deny Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer and Martin Ødegaard before eventually being beaten by goals from Marcus Pedersen and a brace from Erling Haaland.
Senegal must now defeat Iraq in their final group match and rely on favourable results elsewhere to secure a place in the last 32. A victory, coupled with an improved goal difference, could still be enough to extend their World Cup campaign.
Mendy, who became the first African goalkeeper to win the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea FC in 2021, remains a key figure for the African champions and his absence will be keenly felt in their biggest match of the tournament.
