Senegal's first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been ruled out of the World Cup round-of-32 match against Belgium on Wednesday night due to a knee injury. The former Chelsea shot-stopper sustained the problem during Senegal's 3-2 defeat to Norway on June 24, forcing him to be substituted in the 63rd minute by Mory Diaw.
Injury details and recovery
Mendy subsequently missed Senegal's final group game, a 5-0 victory over Iraq on June 28. The Senegalese Football Federation released a statement confirming the injury to his left knee and declaring him unavailable for the next match. The statement read: 'Following the initial medical examinations undertaken by the national team's medical staff, the player is declared to be unavailable for Senegal's next match. The appropriate care as well as complementary medical examinations are currently being undertaken in order to evaluate with precision the nature of the injury and determine whether he will be able to participate further in the competition.'
Coach's comments
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, stating: 'He'll be with us tomorrow, of course, even if he won't be fit to play. We are happy to see him. We hope that he can be with us for the rest of the competition.'
Replacement and next opponents
Mory Diaw, who replaced Mendy against Norway and started against Iraq, will again take his place in goal for the crucial knockout match against Belgium. The winner of this tie will face either the United States or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16.
The Senegalese Football Federation added: 'We address to Edouard Mendy our wishes for his swift recovery and hope to see him soon on the pitch.'
