Mourinho says Ferland Mendy back in training as Real’s ranks grow
Real Madrid’s French contingent remains sizeable, but the headline names are Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga. On Friday, José Mourinho, the Merengue coach, announced that left‑back Ferland Mendy, the former Olympique Lyonnais defender, will train with the squad for the first time since his injury.
French stars dominate the squad
The Merengues field a remarkable number of tricolour internationals. While Mbappé dominates conversation, Tchouaméni and Camavinga also feature regularly in the line‑up, underscoring the club’s continued reliance on French talent.
Mendy’s absence stretches back to 3 May, when Real faced Espanyol Barcelona and he suffered a serious right‑thigh pain. He was substituted only minutes after kickoff, ending his participation in that match.
Medical tests later identified a tear of the right femoral tendon, a recurrence of a previous problem in the same area. The prognosis initially set the recovery period at five months, but it now appears to extend slightly longer.
Road to full fitness
Mourinho confirmed that Mendy will train on the pitch with the squad for the first time, a sign of progress. However, the player is not yet cleared to play; a medical green light and optimal fitness are still required,
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Cela has now been many months since the ten‑cap French international last wore the Madrid shirt. He still has a little work to do before he can be considered fully fit.
The competition for the left‑back role is fierce, as Spain’s World Cup winner Marc Cucurella was signed this summer to occupy the same left‑flank that Mendy prefers.
At 31, Mendy remains determined to fight for a place in the Madrid group, hoping his rehabilitation will conclude soon enough to challenge for selection.
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Mendy will keep training with the Merengues while awaiting the final medical clearance, aiming to be match‑fit as soon as possible.