Real Madrid joy tempered by Mendy injury

The only negative news surrounding Real Madrid's 3-0 win at home to Manchester City in the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night was the news that left-back Ferland Mendy suffered yet another muscle injury.

Ferland Mendy of Real Madrid (front R) vies with Marcel Sabitzer (front L) of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League final match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in London, Britain, June 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Str)

Mendy was doing an excellent job in defending against Savinho and Antoine Semenyo in the match defined by Fede Valverde's first-half hat-trick, but didn't reappear for the start of the second half due to a hamstring problem, with Fran Garcia replacing him on the left of the Madrid defense.

The injury means Mendy will certainly miss this weekend's home game against Elche in La Liga as well as the trip to Manchester next Tuesday, although Alvaro Carreras could recover in time to help Madrid defend its first leg advantage.

The Frenchman has had a long list of injuries since joining Madrid in 2019 and has played just five games this season - starting the campaign with a thigh injury and then suffering other muscle issues.

Speaking after Tuesday's game, Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa admitted he had taken a risk in playing Mendy in consecutive games after such a long absence. "It doesn't look good and I am grateful for his efforts," commented Arbeloa in his post-match press conference.