Real Madrid have confirmed that Ferland Mendy is facing a spell on the sidelines with the muscular problem that he picked up during Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Mendy was replaced in the latter stages of normal time in the Madrid derby, and Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match that the France international "felt a twinge in his leg".
"I think it's a muscle issue because he felt a twinge in his leg. They'll assess him in the next few days," Ancelotti told reporters following his team's penalty-shootout success over Diego Simeone's side.
Real Madrid have now confirmed that Mendy suffered a thigh injury on Wednesday evening.
"Following tests carried out today on our player Ferland Mendy by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury in the biceps femoris of his left leg. Pending evolution," read a club statement.
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Real Madrid's Mendy suffered a thigh injury against Atletico
The 29-year-old has been a key player for Real Madrid during the 2024-25 campaign, making 30 appearances in all competitions, but he is now set for a spell on the sidelines at a key stage of the season.
Los Blancos have not provided a timeframe in terms of his recovery, but according to journalist Arancha Rodriguez, the left-back is expected to be on the sidelines for three to four weeks.
If Mendy is out for four weeks, then he would miss the upcoming La Liga games against Villarreal, Leganes and Valencia, in addition to the second leg of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad.
The defender would also be a major doubt for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal on April 8, with his return potentially coming against Alaves in La Liga the following weekend.
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How will Real Madrid cope without Mendy?
Mendy has the trust of Real Madrid head coach Ancelotti, and his absence is a huge blow for the club.
Fran Garcia has had plenty of football this season, though, making 33 appearances in all competitions, and the Spaniard will be the starting left-back in the absence of Mendy.
There will be pressure on Garcia to stay fit and produce strong performances, but if that is not the case, then Eduardo Camavinga is capable of operating at left-back, with the Frenchman another option in that area of the field.
Real Madrid currently have four defenders on the sidelines through injury, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo also unavailable for selection entering the business end of the campaign.
Matt Law
