Real Madrid are facing yet another injury setback in what has been a physically demanding season. The latest concern revolves around Ferland Mendy, who is expected to be sidelined once again due to a muscle-related problem.
The French left-back, who previously missed three matches in December with similar issues, now finds himself added to an already extensive list of injured players.
Muscle Strain Against Atletico Madrid
Mendy sustained the injury during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium. Late in the match, he appeared to struggle with discomfort and eventually signaled to the bench for a substitution. Despite initially trying to push through the pain, he was replaced in the 83rd minute by Fran Garcia.
Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the issue post-match, stating: “It could be a muscle injury, he felt a twinge in the back.”
This incident marks Mendy’s third muscle-related injury this season, having previously suffered setbacks in both September and December.
Official Diagnosis and Estimated Recovery Timeline
Following medical tests, Real Madrid confirmed that Mendy has sustained a muscular injury in the biceps femoris of his left leg. The club issued an official statement, saying:
“Following tests carried out today on our player Ferland Mendy by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury in the biceps femoris of his left leg. Pending evolution.”
While the club has not provided an official recovery timeline, reports suggest that Mendy could be out for approximately three to four weeks.
Key Matches Mendy Could Miss
If the recovery period extends to four weeks, the left-back will be unavailable for several crucial fixtures, including:
- La Liga Matches: Villarreal, Leganes, and Valencia
- Copa del Rey Semi-Final (Second Leg vs. Real Sociedad)
- Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg (vs. Arsenal on April 8)
His return is tentatively expected around April 14, in a La Liga fixture against Alaves. With the international break beginning soon, Real Madrid will be hoping Mendy can use this period to recover fully.
How Will Real Madrid Cope Without Mendy?
Mendy’s absence poses a tactical challenge for Ancelotti, as the Frenchman provides much-needed defensive stability. However, the squad does have alternatives in place:
- Fran Garcia: The Spaniard has already played 33 matches this season and is expected to take over the left-back role in Mendy’s absence.
- Eduardo Camavinga: While primarily a midfielder, Camavinga has been deployed as a left-back before and remains a backup option.
With crucial domestic and European fixtures approaching, Real Madrid will need both players to step up in Mendy’s absence. Given his recurring injury concerns, questions may arise about his long-term reliability in Ancelotti’s system.
