Philippe Ndinga
PHI
Left Back
Overlapping Full Back
Jun 3, 2005 (21)
Right
6'0"
Back from first senior call-up
Ndinga has returned to Philadelphia Union following his first senior international call-up with Gabon and is available for Saturday's MLS clash against Real Salt Lake after being omitted from the league's latest injury report.
Analysis: Ndinga missed the matchup against Orlando City SC while representing Gabon during the international break but is now back in contention for defensive minutes. His selection for the senior national team also provided a positive indication of his fitness after a lingering muscle issue had raised concerns over the past several months. The defender previously represented Gabon at the U20 level, making his debut in June 2025, before earning his first senior call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Despite being available, Ndinga is likely to provide defensive depth against Real Salt Lake rather than immediately secure a starting role.
Earns first senior Gabon call-up
Ndinga has earned his first senior national team call up, joining Gabon for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualification window, and will miss Saturday's clash against Orlando due to the call up, returning for the match against Real Salt Lake on October 10, according to the club.
Analysis: Ndinga's inclusion in the squad now rules out the muscle injury concern that had lingered around him over the past several months, offering reassurance about his fitness. He previously represented Gabon at the U20 level, making his debut in June 2025, and this call up now marks a significant step up to the senior national team.
Heads back to sidelines
Ndinga has suffered a hamstring injury that will prevent him from taking part in upcoming contests, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Ndinga had been healthy in recent weeks but didn't play a big role in the latest MLS games. Having previously dealt with minor muscle issues, the youngster is once again struggling to remain in ideal shape as the regular season reaches its decisive moments. Kai Wagner will likely play at left-back in future matches, regardless of Ndinga's status. Hamstring recurrences are common when a player returns before being fully fit, and the Union may be careful about the conditions under which the youngster comes back.
Back available Wednesday
Ndinga was included in the squad as a bench option for Wednesday's 4-3 loss against Orlando but did not feature, marking his return to the matchday squad after being sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Analysis: Ndinga had been listed on the MLS Player Status Report with a hamstring problem, making his inclusion in the squad a more encouraging update than initially anticipated. The left-back has mainly been a rotational option for Philadelphia this season, so his return adds depth rather than shaking up the starting lineup, with Nathan Harriel expected to retain the starting role while Ndinga builds his way back to full fitness.
Absent due to hamstring
Ndinga is out for the time being due to a hamstring injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Ndinga is a new addition to Philadelphia's report this matchday, giving the Union a fresh hamstring injury in addition to their existing injury concerns. He's been a useful piece at left-back, although he has been more of a rotational piece, so it's not a major loss. Nathan Harriel should start at left-back moving forward, while Ndinga is out.
Two shots Saturday
Ndinga registered two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Ndinga made his third start of the season Saturday and he put a season-high two shots on target, though he failed to put either on target. He added one tackle and one clearance on the defensive end, but his performance was not enough to stay on the pitch as he was subbed off at halftime for Ben Bender.
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