MADRID – Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy will miss the crucial second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie against Manchester City after suffering a muscle injury during Wednesday’s first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. The club confirmed Friday that Mendy sustained a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his right hamstring.
The injury occurred during the first half of Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Manchester City, forcing manager Álvaro Arbeloa to substitute him at halftime with Fran García. While the club has stated the recovery timeline is “pending evolution,” Mendy is definitively ruled out of Tuesday’s return leg at the Etihad Stadium, a significant blow to the Spanish side’s hopes of advancing in the competition.
Mendy’s absence extends beyond the Champions League. He will also miss Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Elche this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu. His availability for the Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid on March 22 remains uncertain, according to the club’s statement.
This latest setback marks another challenge for Mendy, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He recently returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, having played the full 90 minutes in last Friday’s league win over Celta Vigo. Arbeloa acknowledged the risk of bringing Mendy back too quickly, stating, “I appreciate his effort, after so long out giving him two games was a risk. It wasn’t ideal. I took that risk with him and I appreciate his performance.”
The injury to Mendy adds to Real Madrid’s growing injury list, currently standing at eight players. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Álvaro Carreras, Dani Ceballos, and David Alaba are all currently unavailable. The return of Camavinga provides some relief, but the squad faces a challenging period with key players sidelined.
Mendy, who joined Real Madrid in 2019, has develop into a key component of the team’s defense. The 30-year-ancient French international has made 130 appearances for the club, establishing himself as a reliable presence at left-back. His profile details a career that began in the youth systems of Paris Saint-Germain and Le Havre before his move to Lyon and Real Madrid.
The timing of Mendy’s injury is particularly concerning for Real Madrid, as they navigate a critical stage of the season. The Champions League remains a top priority, and the team will need to uncover a solution at left-back to cope with Mendy’s absence. Fran García is the most likely candidate to fill the role, but his performance against Manchester City will be closely scrutinized.
The club’s medical report indicated the injury is to the biceps femoris, a muscle located in the back of the thigh. Hamstring injuries can vary in severity, and the length of Mendy’s recovery will depend on the extent of the damage. As reported by AS, the club is monitoring his progress closely.
Real Madrid will be hoping for positive news on the other injured players, particularly Mbappé, who could potentially return for the second leg against Manchester City. Yet, with a mounting injury list, Arbeloa faces a significant challenge in assembling a competitive squad for the upcoming matches.
The absence of Mendy will undoubtedly impact Real Madrid’s tactical approach, particularly in the second leg against Manchester City. His defensive solidity and attacking contributions will be missed, and the team will need to adjust accordingly. The focus will be on minimizing the threat posed by Manchester City’s dynamic attack and finding a way to exploit any weaknesses in their defense.
Fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Mendy’s recovery, hoping for a swift return to action. The club will provide further information as his condition evolves. For now, Real Madrid must focus on navigating a challenging period without one of their key defenders.
Real Madrid’s next confirmed fixture is their La Liga match against Elche on Saturday, March 15th, at the Santiago Bernabéu. Following that, all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium for the highly anticipated Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday, March 18th.
What are your thoughts on Mendy’s injury and its impact on Real Madrid’s chances in the Champions League? Share your opinions in the comments below.
