Ferland Mendy’s Latest Setback
Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy suffered a right thigh rectus femoris tendon injury during the team’s 2–0 win over Espanyol. He requested a substitution early in the match, underlining the severity of the issue. This marks his fifth injury in the 2025/26 season, adding to a history of muscle and hip problems. Since joining the club in the summer of 2019, Mendy has accumulated over 20 separate injuries, resulting in a staggering 709 days of missed matches.
Already in the 2025/26 campaign, Mendy has been absent for 142 days, highlighting ongoing fitness concerns. Across his Real Madrid career, he has made 210 appearances in all competitions, scoring 6 goals and providing 12 assists. His trophy haul includes:
- three La Liga titles
- one Copa del Rey
- three Spanish Super Cups
- two UEFA Champions League trophies
- two UEFA Super Cups
Real Madrid’s Broader Struggles
This season has been inconsistent for Real Madrid. The team lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona (2–3), was eliminated from the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16 by Albacete (2–3), and exited the Champions League in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich with a 4–6 aggregate score (1–2 at home, 3–4 away). Currently, they trail Barcelona by 11 points with only four games left in the season.
Further complicating matters, defender Eder Militão will miss the 2026 World Cup due to surgery required for a scar separation from a previous muscle injury. Meanwhile, Ghana’s national team will be led by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz at the 2026 World Cup, after he replaced Otto Addo. Queiroz brings extensive international coaching experience to the role.
The injury woes of key players like Mendy and Militão underscore the challenges Real Madrid faces this season, potentially impacting their prospects in upcoming competitions.
The ongoing injury struggles for Real Madrid extend beyond Mendy, as the team also faces significant setbacks with key players. Notably, Ceballos is suspended, and Militão will miss the upcoming 2026 World Cup due to surgery. These developments add to the mounting challenges for the squad as they navigate a difficult season.