Nobel Mendy injury puts Senegal debut under Patrick Vieira in doubt

Nobel Mendy’s hopes of earning a place in Patrick Vieira’s first Senegal squad have been thrown into doubt after the defender was forced off injured during Hull City’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday.

The 22-year-old centre-back collided with Joao Pedro while challenging for a header and fell to the ground. Although he was able to get back to his feet after receiving treatment, he was unable to continue and was substituted in the 59th minute.

Mendy was seen holding his head as he left the pitch. Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic said afterwards that the Senegal international had been taken to hospital, with the Croatian coach suspecting he may have suffered a concussion.

The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Mendy, who has made an impressive start to life at Hull City since joining from Rayo Vallecano in the summer for 23.4m euros – a club-record transfer fee.

He scored on his first appearance in Hull City’s orange and black colours, completing a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on 22 August in the opening round of the Premier League. Mendy has since made five appearances for the Tigers in all competitions, starting every match.

If the injury proves to be minor, the Guediawaye-born defender could be included in Vieira’s first Senegal squad. The new Lions manager is due to select a group for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia on 25 and 29 September.

Senegal will then face Comoros in a friendly in Marseille on 4 October.

Mendy was overlooked for the 2026 World Cup and has not returned to the national team since his only previous call-up. He started Senegal’s 3-1 win against The Gambia at the end of March, but played for 43 minutes.

He has one international cap.