Al Ahli dealt Edouard Mendy injury blow before Al Wasl clash

Al Ahli will be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy for Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite meeting with Al Wasl at Zabeel Stadium, despite beginning their campaign to retain the title for a third successive season.

The Senegal international has been ruled out because of injury, according to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah. Mendy will remain in Saudi Arabia to continue his treatment and rehabilitation programme at the club’s facilities under the supervision of Mubarak Al-Mutawa, the head of the medical department.

Al Ahli are expected to have Mendy available for their next Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Nassr.

The absence is a significant setback for the reigning champions, who won the previous two editions of the competition. They opened their latest title defence with a 1-1 draw against Uzbekistani side Pakhtakor.

Al Ahli face Al Wasl in the United Arab Emirates as they look to make progress in their bid to become champions for a third consecutive season.

There was some positive news for the Saudi club before the match, however, with Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez joining the squad in the UAE ahead of the encounter.