The French defender is back in the squad after a long injury layoff, giving manager Xabi Alonso a welcome selection headache and fresh options at the back.
Real Madrid’s defensive ranks have received a significant and welcome boost just in time for their crucial Champions League encounter with Juventus, as left-back Ferland Mendy has been declared fit and named to the squad for the first time since March.
After a months-long absence due to a quadriceps injury, Mendy has finally returned to full fitness, completing normal training with the squad this week. His comeback ends a frustrating period on the sidelines for both the player and the fans, who have been eagerly awaiting his return.
Mendy’s availability provides manager Xabi Alonso with a valuable new option, though it also presents a tactical dilemma: whether to reintroduce the experienced Frenchman immediately or keep him on the bench. His absence opened the door for others, with Alvaro Carreras seizing his opportunity to impress and Fran Garcia also making his case for the left-back spot. Alonso now faces the challenge of managing three capable players for one position.
The defensive picture at Madrid remains complex. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are still sidelined, Dani Carvajal is suspended, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite returning to training, is not yet cleared to play. This could force Alonso to get creative, with talk of midfielder Federico Valverde potentially filling in at right-back.
While Mendy’s return is a positive short-term fix, it also raises questions about his long-term future at the club. Having joined from Lyon in 2019, he has been a stalwart with over 200 appearances, but reports suggest his starting role is under threat with the rise of Carreras. Some speculate he could seek a move if his playing time doesn’t increase.
For now, however, the Madrid camp is simply relieved to have a key defender back in the fold as they prepare for one of their biggest tests of the season.
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