Ferland Mendy's Condition to Stay at Real Madrid

Ferland Mendy has returned to Real Madrid training after more than six months away due to injury, although his competitive return still hangs by a thread. His meteoric recovery will not be as straightforward as expected, and caution prevails within the club.

Hopeful Return... with Many Doubts

After getting injured in the Copa del Rey final, Mendy suffered a rupture of the proximal tendon of the right quadriceps rectus, keeping him out for close to 170 days. He is back training with the group, but he is not yet ready to compete.

According to Defensacentral, Real Madrid is acting with caution: they know that any setback would be a blow mentally and physically for the player and the team. Since his arrival in 2019, Mendy has suffered 17 injuries, missed 112 matches, and has been out for over 626 days. Alarming numbers explaining the coaching staff's concern.

When fit, his defensive level has been impeccable. Ancelotti trusted him as a starter at left back, but constant interruptions have prevented him from achieving continuity. Now, after this long absence, his situation is more uncertain than ever.

Xabi Alonso and the Challenge of Recovering Mendy

Xabi Alonso's arrival on the bench signifies a new beginning for many players, but not necessarily for Mendy. The Basque coach does not consider him the first choice for left back. In his sports plan, Álvaro Carreras and Fran García are favored for rotation.

Nevertheless, Alonso has a clear mission: to manage Mendy's minutes, help him regain rhythm, and assess if his physical condition can withstand the calendar demands. He does not want to rush his return but is not ruling out using him as a defensive resource when needed during the season.

The Frenchman is under contract until 2027, but his continuity will depend on his own progress. If he suffers further injuries or fails to earn playing time, Real Madrid could put him on the market next summer. Conversely, if he stabilizes and performs well, he could increase his value within or outside the club.

An Uncomfortable Roadmap

Mendy Facing the Mirror of the Past

Mendy's medical history is a burden that is hard to overcome. Each setback has weakened his role within the team and his sporting reputation. Real Madrid is aware that they cannot rely on a player with such physical fragility, so his situation is constantly being evaluated.

Every comeback brings hope but also an inevitable sense of uncertainty. The coaching staff wants to see him compete regularly before making final decisions about his future.

Alonso's Timing and the Residual Role

Xabi Alonso must strike a delicate balance: trusting the young full-backs while also giving opportunities to a player who, when fit, remains one of the best defenders in the squad. The goal is for Mendy to gradually gain minutes and confidence without rushing.

However, the risk of being sidelined is real. If he fails to adapt to the new system and stay available, he could end up with a residual role in the squad.

Decisions that Will Shape the Summer in Spain

The 2025-26 season could be decisive for Mendy's future in Spain. If he doesn't secure playing time, Real Madrid will open the doors for him to seek a new destination. Conversely, if he overcomes his physical limitations and remains stable, he will have opportunities to prove himself as a useful asset for the team.

In any case, his margin for error has diminished significantly. Real Madrid will offer him time but no guarantees. The ball is now in the court of Ferland Mendy, facing one of the most crucial stages of his career at Real Madrid and in Spanish football.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La condición de Ferland Mendy para quedarse en el Real Madrid