Real Madrid are gearing up to face Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday night, and they have a huge point to prove after losing 2-1 to Mallorca in La Liga this weekend.
Los Blancos are hoping to have Eder Militao back in the starting lineup after he scored off the bench against Mallorca in the second half, thouhg it is unclear if the Brazilian center back is ready for that step up after missing months with a torn hamstring.
The other player Real Madrid are hoping to have back on defense against Bayern Munich's attack, which will still be tough even if Harry Kane cannot play due to an injury of his own, is left back Ferland Mendy.
Ferland Mendy is not expected to play
Before getting injured yet again, Mendy returned to the starting lineup against Celta Vigo and Manchester City in wins, showing a high level. The Frenchman is always an injury risk and difficult to rely on, but Madridistas have been hopeful of his ability to return and lock up with Michael Olise one on one. Olise has been the best right winger in the world alongside Lamine Yamal, building an underdog Ballon d'Or case for himself from Kane's shadow.
However, Rodra of ESPN reports that Ferland Mendy is essentially ruled out for Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich this week. There is a chance he can return a week later on April 15 when Real face Bayern in the second leg, but, for now, it looks like he is not an option for Real Madrid.
The most likely starter is Alvaro Carreras, who has been the main starter this season and got the start against Mallorca this weekend. But Alvaro was disappointing, and with both Mendy and even Fran Garcia playing well during his brief absence due to injury, there is now an open competition at the left back position
Therefore, with Mendy out, Fran has a real shot at starting, even against Olise and the mighty Bayern Munich. Carreras can struggle defensively against the caliber of player of Olise, but, well, so can Fran. And Alvaro does offer more going forward, which is the big reason why Real signed him from Benfica for a high fee this past summer transfer window to upgrade on Mendy and Fran. But if Alvaro were to struggle in the first leg against Bayern, a healthy Mendy would then enter the equation in leg two.