Real Madrid have sent a firm message to Ferland Mendy by omitting the French full-back from their UEFA Champions League league phase squad, confirming his continued exile as he recovers from a lengthy injury lay-off.
The decision is particularly striking given that manager José Mourinho opted to include injured duo Éder Militão and Rodrygo in the squad, choosing not to reserve a place for Mendy ahead of the team’s European opener against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mendy has been sidelined since the end of last season after undergoing surgery in May to repair a rectus femoris muscle injury in his right leg. It marked his fifth injury setback of the 2025–26 campaign, during which he was restricted to just nine appearances and 452 minutes of action.
Real Madrid no longer feel pressed to await the Frenchman’s return, given the availability of two fully fit left-back options in Marc Cucurella and Álvaro Carreras, making the inclusion of a third injured defender unnecessary.
Mendy had been viewed as the primary candidate to leave among the squad’s left-backs, with the club open to offers during the transfer window. However, his persistent fitness issues and current absence made suitable proposals virtually impossible to materialize. Despite this, Real Madrid chose not to force him out, while the player preferred to remain and fight for his spot.
Since joining Real Madrid from Lyon in the summer of 2019, the 31-year-old has made 210 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and winning 13 trophies—most notably two UEFA Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns.
With his contract running through June 2028, finding a resolution regarding his future remains complex. However, his exclusion from European competition, while other injured teammates were registered, clearly signals his decline in the squad hierarchy, meaning any return to favor will require a complete recovery and convincing Mourinho anew.
