Real Madrid leave veteran defender out of UEFA Champions League squad to accommodate new signing | OneFootball

Ferland Mendy has been left out of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League squad, with the French full-back’s ongoing recovery from injury preventing him from taking one of the 25 available places on the club’s A-list.

Real Madrid submitted their Champions League squad to UEFA on Friday, with new signing Sergio Martinez included instead. 

The decision comes just days before Jose Mourinho’s side begin their European campaign against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.

For what it is worth, Mendy’s omission is not entirely unexpected given his fitness situation. 

He has been back training at Valdebebas for around two weeks, but Real Madrid remain cautious about putting a date on his return after another serious injury setback.

Martinez gets the nod as Mendy remains unavailable

According to MARCA, Martinez’s inclusion could prove useful for Madrid as they prepare for an awkward start to their Champions League campaign.

Real Madrid midfielder for UEFA Champions League. (Picture credit: UEFA website)

The club already face significant selection problems for the Inter Milan fixture. 

As such, Arda Guler, Camavinga and Bernardo Silva are suspended, while Aurelien Tchouameni remains a major doubt after not appearing on a squad list at all this season. 

The midfielder also missed Madrid’s pre-season friendlies because of a muscle injury and is yet to feature in La Liga.

Thiago Pitarch is another player whose availability for Tuesday remains uncertain, increasing the pressure on Mourinho’s options.

Mendy, meanwhile, is recovering from surgery after suffering a torn rectus femoris tendon in his right leg. 

The most optimistic estimates had suggested a return in September or October, but Madrid are taking no unnecessary risks with a player who has endured a long history of fitness problems.

Real Madrid have more depth at left-back

Mendy’s absence also shows a changing situation at left-back. 

Following Fran Garcia’s departure and the arrival of Marc Cucurella, Madrid now have two established options alongside Alvaro Carreras while they wait for Mendy to regain full fitness.

That gives the coaching staff some protection in a position that has repeatedly been affected by injuries.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Champions League squad also contains a strong contingent of young players. 

Jesus Fortea, Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero, Diego Lacosta, Gabriel Valero and Daniel Yanez have all been registered, with Martinez completing the group of younger players.