Hannibal Mejbri ruled out for more than three months after surgery

Hannibal Mejbri is expected to miss more than three months after undergoing surgery on a groin muscle injury, Burnley manager Nicky Hayen has confirmed.

The Tunisia international will be sidelined for a significant period following the operation, with Hayen telling reporters: “Mejbri underwent surgery because of an injury to the groin muscle.”

Hayen said the 23-year-old’s absence could extend beyond three months. Mejbri may not return to competitive action until shortly before the end of 2026, meaning Burnley will be without one of their midfield options for a substantial part of the season.

The injury also rules Mejbri out of Tunisia’s next international break. He will miss the opening two matches of the country’s qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, when Tunisia are due to face Uganda and Botswana towards the end of September.

Mejbri is also expected to be unavailable for Tunisia’s third and fourth qualifying fixtures in November. His recovery schedule means the player’s return to international football remains uncertain, with the latest indication suggesting he could be back before the end of 2026.

The operation was required because of the groin muscle problem, and the length of the expected absence represents a setback for both Burnley and Tunisia. Hayen’s assessment indicates that Mejbri will spend at least several months away from action rather than making a short-term recovery.

Tunisia’s first two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches will therefore take place without the Burnley midfielder. The team’s fixtures against Uganda and Botswana are scheduled for the final part of September, while the next two matches in the group are set to be played in November.

Mejbri’s absence covers both of those international windows, according to the timeframe provided by Hayen. Although he could potentially return before the close of 2026, Burnley and Tunisia must prepare for a period in which he will not be available.

For Burnley, the immediate focus is on managing the midfielder’s recovery after surgery. For Tunisia, his absence removes an important squad option at the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The timetable could ultimately change depending on Mejbri’s rehabilitation, but Hayen indicated that the player’s lay-off is likely to last longer than three months. His next possible appearance will depend on how that recovery progresses after the procedure.