Spanish giants Real Madrid have, on Friday, confirmed an altogether untimely injury blow in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Los Blancos, of course, are currently in the thick of preparations for a season-defining month to come.
After being all but eliminated from contention for the La Liga title owing to defeat to Barcelona in the club’s final outing prior to the international break, Real will now shift their attentions towards matters in the Copa del Rey, and Champions League.
First, in the former, a semi-final double-header with Clasico rivals Barca awaits, the first-leg of which is set to play out next Wednesday night.
Then, a week later, European ambitions will be front and centre in Spain’s capital once more, as the reigning Champions League holders welcome struggling Chelsea to the Santiago Bernabeu, for the Last-8 opener between the clubs.
Safe to say, then, that boss Carlo Ancelotti was no doubt hopeful of having as many members of his Blancos squad fit and available for selection as possible over the coming weeks.
Real Madrid players celebrate during La Liga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid in Madrid, Spain – Sept. 18, 2022. Credit: Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
The player in question? Ferland Mendy.
As per an official statement across Los Merengues’ website and social media platforms:
‘Following tests carried out on our player Ferland Mendy by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle issue in his left calf. His recovery will be monitored.’
Ensuing reports point towards left-back Mendy as being in line for around a month on the sidelines.
With Nacho already suspended for Real’s upcoming La Liga meeting with Real Valladolid, Carlo Ancelotti may therefore be forced to utilise Eduardo Camavinga on the left of his backline once more on Sunday evening.
Mendy medical report.#RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 31, 2023
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