Injured Real Madrid defender takes a step forward on road to recovery | OneFootball

It has been five months since Ferland Mendy was last seen in action for Real Madrid. The French left-back has been out since April due to a muscle injury that required surgery.

So far, there has been little to no indication about a set date or timeline for his comeback to action. Alvaro Carreras’ exceptional displays since arriving have meant that the experienced left-back has not been missed either.

Mendy begins working towards a return

Earlier today, as Real Madrid players kicked off preparations for Saturday’s derby against Atletico, Mendy was also spotted stepping out on the training pitches at Valdebebas, reports AS.

The French international did not train with his teammates and instead was doing some light warm up on the pitch and some touches of the ball away from the rest of the group.

Out since April. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

It was clear that the staff did not want the seasoned campaigner to overexert himself, but him appearing on the field to do some exercises and begin light ball work is a step in the right direction.

As to when Mendy might return, there is still no clear indication. But there appears to be some progress being made with his recovery.

Even so, when the former Olympique Lyon man recovers, he will have a difficult road ahead of him as Carreras has firmly established himself as the regular starter at left-back, with Fran Garcia waiting in the wings as the backup.

Prior to his injury in April last year, Mendy had played 31 matches across all competitions, registering two assists. It remains to be seen when he gets his first minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.