Ferland Mendy injury update: Real Madrid defender faces long-term absence after latest setback

Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that Ferland Mendy has suffered a significant muscle injury, ruling the French defender out for the remainder of the season.

“Following tests carried out today on our player Ferland Mendy by the Real Madrid medical team, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the rectus femoris tendon in his right leg. Pending further evaluation,” the club said in an official statement.

Season over: how long will Mendy be out?

Mendy will miss the rest of the campaign, with doctors and the player expected to decide in the coming days whether surgery is required. At this stage, that appears to be the most likely outcome.

Because of that uncertainty, there is no clear recovery timeline yet, although sources indicate it will be a lengthy absence.

Injury strikes early against Espanyol

The 30-year-old went down just 10 minutes into Real Madrid’s game against Espanyol. Mendy immediately felt sharp pain high in his right quadriceps, the same area where he underwent surgery in April of last year.

He dropped to the ground and was quickly attended to by the medical staff before being replaced by Fran García. Television cameras later showed him visibly distressed on the bench following the setback.

Mendy’s long-term Madrid future in question

Mendy is under contract through 2028, but his future at the club is increasingly uncertain. Any decision will depend both on the player’s desire to see out his deal and Real Madrid’s plans moving forward.

Signed in 2019 at the request of then-head coach Zinedine Zidane, Mendy has struggled with recurring injuries, particularly muscular issues. This latest setback marks his fifth injury of the season, severely limiting his availability.

He has made only nine appearances across all competitions this year, five in LaLiga, three in the Champions League, and one in the Spanish Super Cup. Since joining Madrid, he has played 210 games for the club.

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