Mourinho will count on injury-prone Real Madrid defender who takes a step forward in recovery | OneFootball

Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy has taken another important step in his recovery after returning to the grass at Valdebebas for the first time since undergoing surgery in May, reports AS.

The French left-back remains unavailable for full team training, but his latest progress has provided Real Madrid with encouraging signs as preparations continue for the new season.

The report goes as far as suggesting that new manager Jose Mourinho plans to count on the experienced defender once he recovers fully and becomes available at his disposal.

A difficult year for Mendy

The 2025/26 campaign was one to forget for Mendy. Persistent injury problems limited the 31-year-old to just nine appearances across all competitions, continuing a frustrating pattern that has disrupted much of his recent career.

Even so, he remained trusted in the biggest moments, starting both of Real Madrid’s key Champions League knockout fixtures against Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

His season eventually came to an end after suffering a hamstring tendon injury that required surgery in Lyon on May 11.

Back on the pitch. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

First steps back on the pitch

71 days after the operation, Mendy returned to the training pitches at Valdebebas today.

After beginning Monday’s session with strength work in the gym, the defender completed an individual running program on the grass, marking another milestone in his rehabilitation.

Although the club’s original medical assessment projected a recovery period of around five months, potentially ruling him out until November, his recent progress suggests rehabilitation is moving in the right direction.

Mourinho values Mendy

Despite his physical setbacks, Mendy continues to enjoy strong support inside the dressing room.

After seven seasons at the club, he is regarded as a quiet professional whose priority has always been helping the team rather than attracting attention.

Mourinho values Mendy’s experience. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

Mourinho is also believed to value the Frenchman’s experience and defensive reliability. While he currently appears third in the pecking order behind Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras, his ability to defend one-on-one situations makes him a useful option within the squad.

Nonetheless, Mendy’s path back into the starting lineup has become considerably more difficult.

Real Madrid still values the French defender’s qualities. Within the club, there is confidence that the surgery performed on his latest injury will reduce the risk of future recurrences.

Widely regarded as one of football’s strongest defensive full-backs when fully fit, Mendy now faces a defining campaign.

His immediate objective is simple: complete his recovery, regain full fitness, and prove once again that he can contribute at the highest level for Real Madrid.