Edouard Mendy to miss Senegal’s World Cup decider against Iraq

Senegal first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will miss the Teranga Lions World Cup Group I decider against Iraq on Friday, after sustaining injury against Norway on Monday.

Mendy conceded three goals on Monday as Norway defeated the African champion 3-2 in their second group game at the MetLife Stadium. The former Chelsea shot stopper was replaced by Mory Diaw in the 63rd minute of that contest.

After undergoing test on Tuesday, it has now been confirmed that the 34-year-old will be unable to participate in Senegal’s group decider against Iraq in Toronto.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (Senegal) sits on the ground, injured.  (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)

“The Senegalese Football Federation inform the public that goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has sustained an injury to his left knee during the match between Senegal and Norway on Monday,” an FSF statement, as received by ESPN, began.

“Following the initial medical examinations undertaken by the national team’s medical staff, the player is declared to be unavailable for Senegal’s next match.

“The appropriate care as well as complementary medical examinations are currently being undertaken in order to evaluate with precision the nature of the injury and determine whether he will be able to participate further in the competition.

“The Senegalese Football Federation address to Edouard Mendy our wishes for his swift recovery and hope to see him soon on the pitch.”

Edouard Mendy is helped by team staff as he leaves the pitch following his injury against Norway. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Mendy has been clinical for Senegal this tournament and will be badly missed. Despite his nation conceding six goals across their two group matches so far, he has pulled off critical saves in both games to give his team a chance.

The 34-year-old is the first African goalkeeper to win a UEFA Champions League when he was part of the Chelsea team that defeated Manchester City in 2021.

He is also a two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion with Senegal.