Tuchel confirms tooth problem will keep Mendy out of Senegal’s international break
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Edouard Mendy will miss Senegal’s international break as he needs to head to the dentist for a tooth operation, handing the Lions of Teranga a blow ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The goalkeeper was missing for the Blues’ FA Cup quarter-final victory over Sheffield United on Sunday, with Kepa Arrizabalaga between the posts instead as an Oliver Norwood own goal and a late Hakim Ziyech strike secured a semi-final berth.
Now, Tuchel has confirmed that he will sit out his country’s upcoming gigs against the Congo and Eswatini later this month, as Senegal – who have already qualified for next year’s delayed tournament in Cameroon – look to consolidate their place atop Group I.
What has Tuchel said about Mendy?
“Mendy will stay because he has an operation on his tooth,” the German told his post-match press conference when asked on the goalkeeper’s prospects.
“He needs to see the dentist because it needs to be done. It’s why we do it now [so he can be back after the international break].”