Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy is set to go under the knife this Monday in France, dealing another blow to the defender's troubled campaign. The French international has endured a frustrating season plagued by fitness issues, severely limiting his availability for the Spanish giants.
The surgery will take place in Mendy's homeland, where he will begin his rehabilitation process. Medical staff have indicated that the 29-year-old will require several months of recovery, with an October return to competitive action being the earliest realistic timeline.
This latest setback caps what has been a deeply disappointing season for the former Lyon man. Mendy has managed just 453 minutes of playing time across a mere nine appearances throughout the entire campaign, a stark contrast to the consistent availability expected of a first-choice defender at a club of Real Madrid's stature.
The recurring injury problems have left Mendy unable to establish any rhythm or form during the season. Each time the defender appeared to be building momentum, another physical setback would sideline him once again, creating a frustrating cycle for both player and coaching staff.
Real Madrid's defensive options will continue to be tested in Mendy's absence. The club has had to rely on alternative solutions at left-back throughout the season, and those arrangements will need to persist well into the autumn months as the Frenchman works his way back to full fitness.
The timing of the surgery, coming at the end of the domestic season, suggests the club and player are keen to maximize recovery time before the new campaign begins. However, even with a summer of rehabilitation, Mendy will miss the opening weeks of next season as he completes his recovery program.
Based on reporting from Fútbol.