After months of rehabilitation, Ferland Mendy has reached an important stage in his return. The France international is set to train with Real Madrid’s first-team squad on Friday for the first time since suffering a right hamstring tendon injury.
Mendy returns to group work
- Mendy last played in May before being sidelined by the injury to his right hamstring tendon.
- During his recovery, the 31-year-old left-back resumed running and began working with the ball.
- Real Madrid coach José Mourinho confirmed on Friday that Mendy would take part in team training. “Mendy will train on the pitch with us for the first time today,” he said.
- The next challenge for the French defender, who has won 10 caps, will be rebuilding match fitness after his lengthy absence.
A difficult route back into the side
Mendy’s return to collective training does not mean an immediate competitive comeback. He was not included in Real Madrid’s squad list for the league phase of the Champions League, limiting his available fixtures as he works his way back.
The competition at left-back has also increased during his time out. Real Madrid strengthened that position in the summer by signing World Cup winner Marc Cucurella.
For Mendy, the immediate priority is simply to complete training without setbacks. Friday’s session is the first step after an injury lay-off that has kept the Frenchman away from match action since the end of last season.
