Real Madrid have been dealt another significant injury setback after confirming that left-back Ferland Mendy will be sidelined for at least three weeks following a fresh muscle injury. The 30-year-old French defender, who only just returned to action last week after a seven-month absence, has suffered a muscle injury to the biceps femoris of his right leg, casting further doubt over his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish giants announced the devastating news on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, through an official statement that read: “Following tests carried out today on our player Ferland Mendy by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the biceps femoris of his right leg. His recovery will be monitored.”
The injury is different from the one Ferland Mendy suffered during the last third of the 2024-25 season which kept him injured for seven months. The latest setback represents yet another cruel blow for a player whose Real Madrid career has been increasingly defined by extended spells on the treatment table rather than performances on the pitch.
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The Timeline of Mendy’s Latest Injury Nightmare
Ferland Mendy made his return from injury during Real Madrid’s away match against Olympiakos last week after being out of action since April when he suffered an injury in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. His comeback appearance came exactly seven months after his previous injury, during which he underwent surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
The French left-back was given a surprise start by manager Xabi Alonso for the Champions League fixture in Athens, playing the full 90 minutes in Real Madrid’s thrilling 4-3 victory. His performance was solid and composed, with Mendy recovering eight balls throughout the match—the highest total of any player in the team. He completed 48 of his 50 attempted passes, achieving a remarkable 96 percent pass accuracy despite not having played competitive football for more than six months.
Alonso praised Mendy’s sharpness and match fitness after the Olympiakos encounter, expressing surprise at how well the defender had maintained his physical condition during such a prolonged absence. However, the positive signs proved short-lived. Mendy returned to the bench for Real Madrid’s La Liga draw with Girona on Sunday, and by Tuesday, the club was announcing another injury that would sideline him until 2026.
Matches Ferland Mendy Will Miss
The French left-back is not expected to play again for Real Madrid in 2025, meaning he will miss matches against Athletic Club, Celta Vigo, Manchester City, Alaves, and Sevilla for certain. The injury also rules him out of at least one Copa del Rey fixture during December, leaving Real Madrid with depleted defensive options during a crucial phase of the season.
The three-week absence takes Mendy up to the Christmas break, meaning his earliest possible return would be in early January 2026 when Real Madrid face Real Betis in their first match of the new year. However, given his injury history and the cautious approach Real Madrid must take with his rehabilitation, there are no guarantees he will be ready even for that fixture.
The timing could hardly be worse for Real Madrid, who face a demanding schedule with four matches in the next eleven days alone. The crucial Champions League encounter against Manchester City on December 11 will be particularly significant, as Real Madrid look to secure their position in European football’s premier competition. Without Mendy available, manager Xabi Alonso will need to rely heavily on his other left-back options.
| Matches Ferland Mendy Will Miss | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club (H) | La Liga | December 4 |
| Celta Vigo (A) | La Liga | December 7 |
| Manchester City (H) | Champions League | December 11 |
| Deportivo Alaves (A) | La Liga | December 14 |
| Copa del Rey (TBC) | Copa del Rey | Mid-December |
| Sevilla (A) | La Liga | December 21 |
Impact on Real Madrid’s Season
The loss of Ferland Mendy comes at an already difficult time for Real Madrid, who have won just one of their last five matches across all competitions and failed to win any of their last three domestic fixtures. The disappointing 1-1 draw with Girona last weekend left Real Madrid a point behind Barcelona in the La Liga standings, increasing pressure on Xabi Alonso’s team to find consistency.
Real Madrid are already dealing with significant injury issues in their defensive line. Captain Dani Carvajal remains sidelined with a long-term injury, while David Alaba continues his recovery from a serious knee problem. Young defender Raul Asencio is also unavailable, further limiting Alonso’s defensive options during a congested fixture period.
However, Mendy’s absence is unlikely to dramatically impact Real Madrid’s tactical approach given his limited involvement this season. The 30-year-old has made just one appearance across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign—the 90 minutes against Olympiakos. His extended absence since the Copa del Rey final in April has allowed other players to establish themselves in the left-back position.
Competition for the Left-Back Position
Alvaro Carreras has emerged as Real Madrid’s first-choice left-back since joining from Benfica last summer, establishing himself with consistent performances that blend defensive solidity with attacking ambition. The 22-year-old has impressed with his energy, crossing ability, and willingness to support attacks, making him Alonso’s preferred option in the position.
Fran Garcia serves as the primary backup to Carreras, offering similar attacking qualities though with less consistency. Garcia featured regularly last season and provides Real Madrid with an experienced alternative when rotation is required or injuries occur. The 25-year-old will likely see increased opportunities during Mendy’s absence, particularly in Copa del Rey fixtures or less demanding league matches.
The competition at left-back has intensified significantly since Mendy’s injury struggles began. Where he was once Real Madrid’s undisputed starter in the position, the Frenchman now finds himself competing for minutes even when fully fit. His more defensive profile contrasts with the attacking instincts of both Carreras and Garcia, giving Alonso a tactical alternative for specific matches or situations.
Mendy’s Injury-Plagued 2025
Ferland Mendy has been totally injured and out of action for five separate months in 2025, which is now set to become six with the defender out of action in matches in December. The constant injury problems have restricted him to just 15 appearances across all competitions throughout the entire calendar year.
Of those 15 appearances, 10 came during January and February when Mendy was relatively fit and featuring regularly. However, he has made only five appearances in the last nine months, highlighting the severity of his injury crisis. The French defender has essentially been unavailable for three-quarters of 2025, raising serious questions about his long-term future at the club.
The pattern of injuries has become deeply concerning for both Mendy and Real Madrid. Since joining the club from Lyon in 2019 for an initial fee of 48 million euros, the left-back has missed over 100 appearances through various injuries. His career at the Santiago Bernabeu has been punctuated by extended absences that have prevented him from establishing the consistent form and fitness required at the highest level.
The recurring hamstring and muscle problems suggest underlying issues that may never fully resolve despite surgery and intensive rehabilitation. At 30 years old, Mendy’s body appears increasingly unable to cope with the physical demands of elite football, making it difficult for him to string together consecutive appearances without breaking down.
The Copa del Rey Final Injury
Mendy’s latest injury nightmare began during the 2024-25 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in April. During that match, he suffered what appeared to be a straightforward muscle injury but complications quickly emerged. After initially attempting to return to action in April, he lasted just 11 minutes before re-injuring himself, prompting medical staff to take a more cautious approach.
Further examination revealed a rupture of the proximal tendon of the rectus anterior, a serious injury that required surgical intervention. The operation and subsequent rehabilitation kept him sidelined for seven months, with Real Madrid taking no chances on his recovery given the setbacks he had experienced when attempting to rush back too quickly.
The extended absence allowed his body adequate time to heal properly, and his performance against Olympiakos suggested the rehabilitation had been successful. However, the fresh injury just days after his return raises questions about whether his body is ready to handle the intensity and physical demands of professional football at the highest level.
Doubts Over Mendy’s Real Madrid Future
Ferland Mendy’s contract with Real Madrid runs until 2028, but his persistent injury problems have cast serious doubt over whether he will see out that deal at the Santiago Bernabeu. The club has already invested heavily in reinforcing the left-back position with the signing of Carreras, suggesting they have been planning for life without Mendy regardless of his contract situation.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid would be willing to listen to offers for Mendy if a suitable bid arrives, though his injury record and age make finding a buyer challenging. Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad has reportedly shown interest in acquiring his services in the past, with the Saudi Pro League offering one potential destination where Mendy could extend his playing career.
Al-Ittihad has a track record of signing French players, with Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante currently on their roster. The financial resources available to Saudi clubs mean they could afford both a transfer fee and generous wage package to tempt Mendy away from Real Madrid, though any deal would likely need to wait until he proves his fitness.
From Real Madrid’s perspective, recouping some of their initial investment while clearing Mendy’s wages from the salary budget would be beneficial. The club could then invest those resources in a younger, more reliable option to provide competition and coverage at left-back behind Carreras.
Career Achievements Despite Injury Struggles
Despite the frustrating nature of his recent injury problems, Ferland Mendy’s time at Real Madrid has included significant success. He has made over 200 appearances for the club across five seasons, winning two Champions League titles and three La Liga championships. His defensive solidity and ability to nullify opposition wingers made him a valuable asset during Real Madrid’s most successful period under Carlo Ancelotti.
Mendy’s best seasons came between 2019 and 2022, when he established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable defensive full-backs. His performances in Champions League knockout ties, particularly in the 2021-22 campaign that culminated in Real Madrid’s 14th European Cup, showcased his ability to deliver in the highest-pressure situations.
At international level, Mendy has earned seven caps for France since making his debut in 2018. However, he has not featured for Les Bleus since a friendly against Canada in June 2024, with his injury problems preventing him from challenging for a regular place in Didier Deschamps’ squad. He was selected for France’s Euro 2024 squad but did not play any minutes during the tournament.
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FAQs
How long will Ferland Mendy be out injured?
Ferland Mendy will be sidelined for at least three weeks after suffering a muscle injury to the biceps femoris of his right leg. Real Madrid’s official medical statement confirmed the diagnosis on December 2, 2025, though the club did not provide a specific return date. Reports suggest he will not play again in 2025, missing all fixtures until the Christmas break with his earliest possible return in early January 2026.
What injury does Ferland Mendy have?
Ferland Mendy has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the biceps femoris of his right leg, which is part of the hamstring muscle group. This is a different injury from the one he suffered in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in April 2025, which was a rupture of the proximal tendon of the rectus anterior that required surgery and kept him out for seven months.
When did Ferland Mendy return from his previous injury?
Ferland Mendy made his return from injury on November 26, 2025, during Real Madrid’s Champions League away match against Olympiakos. He started the match and played the full 90 minutes in the 4-3 victory, exactly seven months after suffering his previous injury in the Copa del Rey final. He was named on the bench for the subsequent La Liga match against Girona before suffering his latest setback.
Which matches will Ferland Mendy miss for Real Madrid?
Ferland Mendy will definitely miss Real Madrid’s matches against Athletic Club, Celta Vigo, Manchester City in the Champions League, Deportivo Alaves, Sevilla, and at least one Copa del Rey fixture in December 2025. Reports indicate he will not play again in 2025, with his earliest potential return coming in January 2026 against Real Betis, though that remains uncertain depending on his rehabilitation progress.
Who will replace Ferland Mendy in Real Madrid’s lineup?
Alvaro Carreras is Real Madrid’s established first-choice left-back and will continue in that role during Ferland Mendy’s absence. Fran Garcia serves as the primary backup option and will likely see increased playing time, particularly in Copa del Rey fixtures or when rotation is required. Manager Xabi Alonso has three left-back options but will manage their minutes carefully during a congested fixture period.
