Real Madrid hit with another injury blow as key defender likely to miss next La Liga outing | OneFootball

Real Madrid are facing a concerning injury situation this season, and despite being fully aware of the problem, they have yet to find an effective solution.

The latest setback involves Ferland Mendy, who could once again be sidelined due to a muscle-related issue.

The French left-back had already missed three matches in December because of similar problems, and now he finds himself added to the growing list of injured players.

Injured against Atletico Madrid

Mendy appeared to suffer a muscle strain during the second leg of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 clash against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The injury occurred late in the match, leaving him unable to continue. Despite trying to push through the discomfort, he eventually signalled to the bench for a substitution.

Ferland Mendy was injured against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As a result, Fran Garcia was brought on in the 83rd minute to fill in on the left flank, as Eduardo Camavinga, who has also been used as a makeshift left-back this season, was already deployed in midfield.

“It could be a muscle injury, he felt a twinge in the back,” said Ancelotti after the match.

Setback for Real Madrid?

This injury is a significant concern for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has always valued Mendy’s defensive reliability. In a squad filled with attack-minded stars, the Frenchman provides much-needed stability at the back.

However, this marks Mendy’s third muscle injury of the season, having already dealt with similar setbacks in September and December. Given his recurring fitness issues, there will be concerns over his long-term reliability.

Mendy will now undergo medical tests to determine the severity of the injury. One thing is certain—he will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga match against Villarreal, reports MARCA.

With the international break beginning on Sunday, the club will be hoping he can use this period to recover fully. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be fit in time for Madrid’s next set of fixtures after the break.