Edouard Mendy returns for Al-Ahli two months after World Cup injury

Edouard Mendy will make his return for Al-Ahli exactly two months after suffering a knee injury while playing for Senegal at the World Cup.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper has been named in Al-Ahli’s starting line-up for their Saudi Pro League match against Abha on Saturday, marking his first appearance since the injury.

Mendy was forced off after sustaining the knee problem during Senegal’s 2-3 defeat by Norway on 23 June. The injury kept the former Stade Rennais and Chelsea goalkeeper out of action and meant he missed Al-Ahli’s opening two matches of the new season.

His return provides a boost for Al-Ahli, who can now welcome back the goalkeeper who had been their first-choice option before the injury. Senegal supporters will also be able to see Mendy back in competitive action after his two-month absence.

Mendy will start in goal when Al-Ahli host Abha in the second matchday of the Saudi Pro League. The match, which is scheduled to begin at 6:00pm GMT, will also feature Senegal international Abdou Diallo in the Abha side.

During Mendy’s absence, Saudi goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Sanbi stepped in between the posts for Al-Ahli.

Al Sanbi played in the club’s opening league fixture, helping them secure a 1-0 victory over Al-Diriyah. He also started in their cup match against Al Anwar, which Al-Ahli won 2-1.

Mendy’s return now brings an end to the period in which Al Sanbi deputised for the Senegal international.

The goalkeeper’s comeback comes exactly two months after the injury that ruled him out following Senegal’s match against Norway.

Having missed Al-Ahli’s first two games of the season, Mendy will now take his place in the starting line-up against Abha as he begins his return to regular football.