Férland Mendy faces another setback: injury concerns ahead of Etihad return leg

By this time tomorrow, Real Madrid will finally have a much clearer idea about Férland Mendy’s condition. But nearly every sign points in the same direction — and it’s not good. Early examinations suggest an injury to his right hamstring. The key question now is whether it’s a significant overload, a micro‑tear, or a full tear. That distinction changes everything.

The decisive moment comes on Friday morning, when Mendy undergoes a full MRI after 24 hours of rest — the window doctors need for a more accurate diagnosis. For now, everything is on standby. But barring a miracle, he’s practically ruled out for next week’s trip to the Etihad.

In 99% of scenarios, he’ll be sidelined for at least a week. And the match is in five days. In other words: almost impossible.

This is Mendy’s third injury of the season. He returned in Athens after a serious setback — a rupture of the proximal tendon of the right rectus femoris suffered in the Copa del Rey final. His comeback looked promising… but it didn’t last. Just five days later, another blow: a tear to the right biceps femoris. Three weeks out. See you in 2026.

“We knew the risks…”

He resurfaced again for the Spanish Super Cup, playing 22 minutes against Atlético in the semifinals. And then, déjà vu: a tear in his right calf. One month out. His second injury of the season.

He finally returned in Balaídos, delivered a standout performance, and positioned himself as a key piece for the Manchester City showdown. A massive effort after so much inactivity. “We knew we were taking risks,” Arbeloa admitted.

But despite a brilliant 45 minutes, he’s back in the medical room — this time with what appears to be another hamstring injury. An MRI will reveal all tomorrow.

Real Madrid’s casualty room: the situation for Manchester

Valdebebas: optimism, but with caution

That’s the mood this Thursday at Valdebebas, after a morning session still buzzing from the 3–0 win. Two names stand out: Carreras (right calf) and Mbappé (left knee). Both have a real chance of making the Etihad trip. They’re ruled out for Saturday’s league game against Elche, as they continue working individually and pushing the recovery timeline. Unlikely, but not impossible.

Same goes for Bellingham, though his chances are slimmer.

There is good news with Tchouaméni: the discomfort he felt against City was just a scare. He’ll be available for Elche.

Militão: slow and steady

“Relax,” is the message from inside the club after the excitement sparked by Éder Militão training with the group. His participation was brief — just the rondo warm‑up, nothing more. Caution remains the priority.

He’s progressing slowly but steadily after tearing the biceps femoris in his left leg, with tendon involvement. His full return still points to mid‑April.

And from there, the next big question becomes: When will Mendy be back? This would be his fourth injury of the season. The definitive MRI arrives tomorrow — but all signs suggest he won’t make the Etihad.

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