How many matches will Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy miss due to injury?

Real Madrid have confirmed in a medical report on their website that left-back Ferland Mendy suffered a hamstring injury in Thursday’s Copa del Rey victory over Atlético Madrid. Although the club chose not to disclose how long the Frenchman would be out for, Spanish radio station Cadena COPE have revealed that he will miss the next two month of action.

How many matches could Ferland Mendy miss for Real Madrid?

With Los Blancos in the midst of a hectic fixture schedule across LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, Mendy could miss up to 13 matches if Madrid reach the final of the latter competition, which would also include both legs of the Copa del Rey semi-final Clásico against Barcelona and both legs of the Champions League round-of-16 clash versus Liverpool.

Will Real Madrid sign a replacement for Ferland Mendy?

Manager Carlo Ancelotti said after his team’s LaLiga draw against Real Sociedad on Sunday that there would be no players coming in or going out before the transfer window closes. Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Rayo Vallecano left-back Fran García but, according to The Athletic, are expected to go after the 23-year-old in the summer, despite Mendy’s injury.

Who is Real Madrid target Fran García?

García started his career in the Real Madrid B team and made one appearance for the first team in the Copa del Rey before joining Rayo, first on loan in 2020, and then permanently in 2021. Los Merengues retained a 50% stake in the player, however, and are looking to agree a deal to bring the player back to the club in a few months’ time after reported interest in him from Bayer Leverkusen, coached by former Madrid midfielder Xavi Alonso, and Inter Milan.

Rumours had circulated that the club would be in the market for a recognised left-back to offer competition to – and perhaps even replace – Mendy, who has had to endure some criticism this season for perceived poor performances. The former Lyon defender has started 14 of Real Madrid’s 19 LaLiga games and four of their six matches in the Champions League. Central defenders David Alaba and Nacho, along with midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, have all filled in at left-back at different points of the campaign and, with García not likely to join the club just yet, will have to do so again.