Real Madrid face Celta Vigo in a must-win game tonight (March 6th) and it seems Ferland Mendy will be back in action. The French left-back has endured a season to forget due to an injury curse that has plagued most of his spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mendy has made just one appearance in La Liga, amounting to one minute. He has been sidelined for the majority of the campaign due to muscular issues.
The 30-year-old has reportedly returned from injury and will be available for tonight's encounter with Celta Vigo. There is even a possibility of him starting at the Estadio de Balaidos.
Mendy must take his chance
According to Diario AS (via Madrid Zone), Mendy is fit to play and will start tonight's game which is a much-needed boost for Alvaro Arbeloa. His side have slumped, falling four points behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Two defeats on the bounce came against Osasuna (2-1) and Getafe (1-0) and Arbeloa is feeling the heat. There are suggestions that Madrid could decide to part ways if they feel there is no longer a chance of silverware.
Mendy has only three appearances across competitions to his name this season. His injury record is a real problem that the club will be factoring into a decision over his future.
A summer rebuild is anticipated and Mendy might be one of several high-profile players who leave the Bernabeu. He still has two years on his contract but his lack of availability might lead to the higher-ups deciding to sell.
Mendy is one of Europe's best full-backs when fit and at his best. He was hugely impressive in the first half of Carlo Ancelotti's second reign in charge.
A summer overhaul beckons
The Frenchman might be playing for his future in the last few months of the season and he'll need to prove he still deserves to be part of the squad for a new era. He's made 204 appearances since arriving from French club Lyon in the summer of 2019.
Should Mendy impress he could even play his way into a regular starting role at the expense of Alvaro Carreras. The Spaniard has fared well during his debut season but a lack of a viable backup has been an issue.
There's no sign that the club are looking to sign a new left-back this summer which does suggest they are still counting on Mendy. He was an Ancelotti favorite but his fitness troubles are the reason some feel he could be at risk of a summer sale.