Nobel Mendy’s hopes of featuring in Patrick Vieira’s first Senegal squad have been thrown into doubt after the defender was taken to hospital following a suspected concussion.
The 22-year-old was forced off during Hull City’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the English league on Saturday, having made an impressive start to life with the club.
Mendy collided with Joao Pedro while contesting an aerial ball and fell to the ground. Although he was able to get back on his feet after receiving treatment, he was unable to continue and was substituted in the 59th minute.
The Senegal international, who has one cap, was holding his head as he left the pitch. Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic later confirmed that Mendy had been taken to hospital after the match and said he suspected the player had suffered a concussion.
The injury comes at an important time for Mendy, who joined Hull City from Rayo Vallecano this summer for 23.4 million euros, a club-record transfer fee.
He scored on his first appearance in the club’s orange and black colours, finding the net against Manchester United on 22 August in the opening round of the Premier League as Hull City won 2-0.
Mendy has started all five of Hull City’s matches in all competitions since his arrival, underlining his immediate importance to the Tigers.
If the injury is not serious, the centre-back could be included in Vieira’s first Senegal squad. The new head coach is due to select his players for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia on 25 and 29 September respectively.
Senegal will then face Comoros in a friendly in Marseille on 4 October.
Mendy, who was born in Guediawaye, was overlooked for the 2026 World Cup and has not returned to the national team since his only previous call-up.
That appearance came in a 3-1 victory over Gambia at the end of March. He started the match but played for 43 minutes before being replaced.