Real Madrid defender set to resume training this week after nearly six months out | OneFootball

Once the international break comes to an end, Real Madrid will be gearing up for a crucial period ahead, with games against Getafe, Juventus and Barcelona falling back to back.

Keeping that in mind, it will be essential for coach Xabi Alonso to have his best players available.

Recent reports have indicated that Real Madrid may have three key defenders in Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal available for El Clasico.

More good news for Real Madrid

Now, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid could be blessed by the return of one more defender, in the form of Ferland Mendy.

The report suggests that the Frenchman is set to return to partial team training this week, marking the start of his eventual return to full fitness.

The left-back has been out since late April, when he suffered a muscle injury in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.

Ferland Mendy may soon be able to return to partial team training. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Initially, it was believed that he could be back in three months, but it has been nearly six months since his injury and there has been barely a sight of Mendy. But that could change this week.

However, it must be noted that Mendy’s return to partial team training suggests the defender, in the worst case scenario, could at least require a few weeks to get back to full fitness, if not a month.

Therefore, Real Madrid may not necessarily have him available for the upcoming matches against Getafe, Juventus and Barcelona.

Real Madrid, in any case, are well covered in the left-back position, with Alvaro Carreras providing solid performances since joining the club.

Fran Garcia has emerged as an able alternative for the former SL Benfica star. Hence, Real Madrid will not be desperate for Mendy to return to the squad.

Instead, the club could urge the defender to take time and slowly get back into rhythm before returning to action. The same cannot be said for three other defenders in Huijsen, Trent and Carvajal.