Real Madrid sweat over Ferland Mendy injury as defender set to miss Manchester City return clash

Real Madrid are facing fresh injury concerns after Franco-Senegalese defender Ferland Mendy suffered a setback that could rule him out of the crucial second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester City.

The French left-back was forced off during the first leg encounter after picking up an injury, raising immediate concerns within the Madrid camp.

Mendy underwent an initial medical examination shortly after the match, which revealed a problem with his right hamstring.

However, the full extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed. Medical staff are expected to carry out a detailed MRI scan once the swelling subsides, with a definitive diagnosis anticipated within the next 24 hours. Doctors have opted to wait before conducting the scan in order to obtain the most accurate assessment of the damage.

Despite the absence of an official statement from the club, early indications suggest that Mendy’s chances of featuring in the return leg in Manchester are extremely slim. With only five days remaining before the decisive clash at the Etihad Stadium, even the most optimistic recovery timeline would require at least a week for proper rehabilitation.

The situation has forced Real Madrid’s coaching staff to begin planning for alternatives on the left side of defense. One of the players expected to shoulder the responsibility is young defender Nico Carreras, who could be tasked with filling the void in one of the most demanding matches of the season.

Mendy’s latest injury setback is another frustrating chapter in what has already been a difficult campaign for the French international. The defender has struggled with fitness issues throughout the season and has managed to appear in only five matches across all competitions.

His absence would represent a significant blow for Real Madrid, particularly against a Manchester City side known for its attacking firepower. The Spanish giants will now have to rely on their squad depth and tactical adjustments to cope without one of their primary defensive options.

As the team prepares for the high-stakes Champions League encounter, all eyes remain on the upcoming medical tests that will determine the severity of Mendy’s injury and confirm whether he will miss the decisive clash in England.