Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy resumes squad work before King’s Cup tie

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is available to protect Al Ahli’s goal as the club begins its King’s Cup campaign after a two-month absence.

Al Ahli travel to face Al Anwar, who compete in the Saudi First Division League, on Monday in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Mendy has completed the rehabilitation programme designed to help him recover from a knee injury and is now ready to play.

The 34-year-old has undergone fitness and physical tests in recent days and successfully passed them. That has allowed him to rejoin full team training and put himself in contention for matches.

Mendy suffered a knee ligament injury while playing for Senegal against Norway in the second round of group matches at the 2026 World Cup, being staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He has been absent from competitive action since that fixture.

His return would provide a significant boost for Al Ahli as they enter the knockout stages of the King’s Cup. The Jeddah club began its Saudi Pro League campaign without its captain last Thursday, when it recorded a 1-0 victory over Al-Diriyah at Al-Awwal Park.

Mendy’s recovery means he could now make his first appearance of the season in Monday’s cup match, although his availability places the decision over selection with the technical staff following his return from injury.

The goalkeeper has been Al Ahli’s current captain since joining the club in the summer of 2023. He moved to Saudi Arabia from Chelsea and has since played a role in the team’s success.

During his time with Al Ahli, Mendy has helped the club win the AFC Champions League Elite twice, as well as the Saudi Super Cup.

Al Anwar’s participation adds a lower-league test to Al Ahli’s opening assignment in this season’s King’s Cup. The match will be the Jeddah side’s first opportunity in the competition to progress towards another domestic trophy, while also giving Mendy a possible route back into competitive football after his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Senegal international’s return to group training follows the successful completion of the medical and physical stages of his rehabilitation. Having missed Al Ahli’s league opener, he will now be assessed ahead of the trip to Al Anwar.