Return of Real Madrid man shrouded in uncertainty as absence is extended | OneFootball

Real Madrid are still recovering from their injury disaster last season, and still have four players out of action as a result. Three in theory are due to return this month, but the fitness of Ferland Mendy remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Two years ago Los Blancos handed Mendy an extension, with a fresh two years meaning his deal expires in 2028. Mendy appeared to have put his injury issues behind him, and Carlo Ancelotti requested his renewal, after calling him the best defensive left-back in the world, after playing a crucial role in their Champions League triumph in 2024.

Downturn last season for Mendy

However the familiar demons returned last season, and Mendy ended the year with just 31 appearances amounting to just over 2,000 minutes, in which he managed just two assists. Ancelotti was frequently unable to rely on Mendy, and Fran Garcia was forced into action more than the Italian was comfortable with.

Image via LaPresse

Mystery over return from injury

As per Diario AS, there is no clarity on when he will return from injury. The 30-year-old has not been seen since a hamstring injury at the end of April, coming off after just 10 minutes in the Copa del Rey final. Four months after the resulting operation, Mendy is yet to return to training as normal. It had been previously reported that he would not be back until October.

Slide down pecking order

New manager Xabi Alonso requested the signing of Alvaro Carreras, and after some promising opening performances, he has a firm grip on the starting spot at left-back. Garcia also did well under Alonso at the Club World Cup though, and that has placed Mendy third in the pecking order. Real Madrid were open to selling Mendy in the summer, but received no offers, and the French international did not make any move to leave.