Real Madrid’s European squad decision gives Racing signing unexpected chance

Real Madrid have submitted their Champions League squad to UEFA without Ferland Mendy, with the decision creating a potential opportunity for new signing Sergio Martinez ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Inter Milan.

According to Marca, the France left-back has been left out of the squad to make room for Martinez, who has only recently joined the club from Racing. His inclusion could provide Real Madrid with an unexpected solution before their first appearance in Europe’s leading club competition.

Martinez was initially recruited to strengthen Castilla, but the 19-year-old has trained with Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad this week and has reportedly made a positive impression on both the manager and his senior colleagues.

As a result, he could make his Champions League debut just five days after being named in his first Real Madrid squad. The situation has emerged as the club faces a shortage of options before the visit of Inter Milan.

Mourinho will be unable to call on Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva for the match because the trio are suspended. The pressure on the squad is increased by doubts over Aurelien Tchouameni, who has not been included in any squad this season and did not feature in the pre-season matches because of an unexplained muscle injury.

There are also concerns over the fitness of Tiago Pitarch, further limiting the available choices in midfield and across the team.

Mendy returned to the Valdebebas training ground around two weeks ago, but Real Madrid are continuing to act cautiously when discussing his return to competitive football because of his lengthy injury record.

The French defender underwent surgery after suffering a tear to the tendon of the rectus femoris muscle in his right leg. The most optimistic projections suggested that he could return at some point in September or October, although the club remain careful not to set a firm timetable.

Real Madrid’s options at left-back have also changed. The arrival of Marc Cucurella, combined with the departure of Fran Garcia, means the club now have two alternatives in the position alongside Carreras. That depth has become particularly important while uncertainty remains over whether Mendy will be able to regain full fitness following his operation.

Mendy’s omission from the European list therefore reflects both his current injury situation and the club’s desire to manage his recovery carefully. It also allows Martinez to move into contention far sooner than expected after joining from Racing with the initial intention of playing for Castilla.

Alongside Mendy’s absence, Real Madrid’s UEFA submission includes eight players from the B list. Fortuny, Juan Martinez and Mario Rivas are listed as defenders, while Tiago, Sestero, Lacosta and Valero are included among the midfielders. Yanez is the forward named from the B list.

If the squad situation remains unchanged, Martinez could now be handed a remarkable first appearance in the Champions League in only his second week around the Real Madrid first team.