Nuno Mendes’ 2023 injury sparks overhaul as he reaches peak physical condition | OneFootball

A serious thigh injury in 2023 prompted Nuno Mendes to overhaul his daily work, with enhanced prevention now underpinning a surge in form for Paris Saint-Germain.

According to L'Équipe, the Portuguese has evolved in Paris from a shy 19-year-old loanee in 2021, guided by Danilo Pereira, into one of the best in the world at 23, and finally clear of recurring muscle issues.

After surgery on his right thigh in September 2023 that kept him out for four months, he completed rehab in Lisbon with national-team physio Antonio Gaspar. Gaspar has since led a monthly prevention programme through Euro 2024 and still sees Mendes during call-ups, while scheduling week-long sessions in Paris every two or three months, focused on whole-body muscle and joint work. He says Mendes is now more balanced and able to handle a higher workload.

Mendes said on Monday that careful rest management and tailored minutes have left him feeling beyond 100 percent, crediting the technical staff and the coach for the approach.

Gaspar believes the setback also sharpened Mendes mentally, turning him into a highly focused professional and, in his view, into the best physical shape of his career. Luis Enrique added on Monday that the left-back is a different profile, good with and without the ball and a pleasure to have. As team-mates toil through a demanding campaign, Mendes is setting the pace, and the debate over whether he is among the most complete athletes is open.

Source: L'Équipe