Next week, Real Madrid have a big match against Shakhtar Donetsk in their third group stage match of the 2021-2022 UEFA Champions League campaign.
Not only will their two losses to Shakhtar last season be fresh in the minds of Madridistas, but the team will also want to make things right after being on the wrong end of a Champions League upset against Sheriff before the international fixtures.
Real Madrid should get a significant boost ahead of next Tuesday night’s match in Ukraine.
According to a report from MARCA, standout left back Ferland Mendy is back from his long-term shin injury and ready to be selected into the squad by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The man who brought Madrid La Decima has been unable to select Mendy, as the Frenchman has been injured since last season’s Champions League semifinal against Chelsea.
Real Madrid have missed Ferland Mendy badly
Mendy’s absence has definitely been felt. Whenever he is unable to play, Real suffer significantly defensively, as Mendy is very likely the best defensive fullback on the planet.
Mendy needs to be managed carefully, since his injury can be a long-term issue if not handled properly. So far, Los Blancos have played things safe with the 2019 summer signing from Lyon. Mendy is an important player to the team both defensively and in terms of his ball progression.
Since Ancelotti does not seem to trust Miguel Gutierrez fully yet, Mendy’s return may be even more important to Real’s Champions League success than even initially thought.
We’ll see if Mendy gets to play against Shakhtar next week, but there may be pressure on Ancelotti to select the left back. The 2021-2022 campaign could be a big one if Mendy is healthy, as he is entering his prime and has the confidence of the entire fanbase. Real Madrid fans greatly appreciate what Mendy has done for this team in the two seasons since he has joined. He is a no-nonsense, hard-working defender who reads the game well and defends with his entire heart.
Even if Mendy cannot partake in next week’s revenge attempt at Shakhtar, it is great to hear he is back to health. El Clasico looms large in the proximal fixture, and even a weakened Barcelona is a threat worth respecting.