The outlook is bleak. Ferland Mendy will miss Real's return leg against Manchester City
The situation surrounding Ferland Mendy's fitness remains uncertain, but the medical prognosis is far from positive.
Details: According to Diario AS, after his emergency substitution in the match against Manchester City, the defender underwent an initial examination which revealed an injury to his right hamstring. The final verdict will only be delivered tomorrow after an MRI scan, as doctors need to wait for the swelling to subside to ensure the most accurate diagnosis.
- See also: Samsunspor vs Rayo Vallecano: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 12 March 2026
Despite the lack of an official statement, the Frenchman's participation in the second leg in Manchester is considered virtually impossible. With just five days left before this crucial clash, even in the best-case scenario, recovery from the injury would take at least a week.
Real's coaching staff have all but resigned themselves to the fact that the left side of the defense will need to be reshuffled, with most of the responsibility likely to fall on the young shoulders of Nico Carreras.
It's worth noting that this season the French defender has featured in only five matches, having spent a significant part of the campaign sidelined by injuries.
Reminder: Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde admitted that Vinicius had offered him the chance to take a penalty.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert