Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy Suffers Hamstring Injury, Faces Uncertain Return

Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy has sustained a muscle injury to his right hamstring, ruling him out of the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Manchester City and casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid.

The injury occurred during Real Madrid’s 3-0 win against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 12, 2026, leading to his substitution at halftime as reported by the Associated Press. Initial assessments suggested cramps, but further testing revealed a more significant issue.

Injury Details and Recovery Timeline

Medical examinations confirmed a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in Mendy’s right hamstring according to Real Madrid’s official statement. The club has not provided a specific timeline for his recovery, stating it will depend on the injury’s progression.

This is Mendy’s third injury of the season, continuing a frustrating pattern for the 30-year-old defender. He recently returned to action after previous issues with a tear in the biceps femoris and a calf injury as detailed by AS USA.

Impact on Real Madrid’s Squad

Mendy’s absence adds to Real Madrid’s growing injury list, with a total of eight players currently unavailable according to coach Alvaro Arbeloa. This complicates team selection for upcoming matches.

Fran García replaced Mendy at halftime against Manchester City, and is expected to fill in during his absence.

Coach Arbeloa’s Perspective

Coach Alvaro Arbeloa acknowledged the risk of bringing Mendy back too soon after his previous injuries. “I appreciate his effort, after so long out giving him two games was a risk,” Arbeloa told Movistar. “It wasn’t ideal. I took that risk with him and I appreciate his performance.”

Arbeloa stated, “He’s hurt, yes. It doesn’t look good,” expressing concern over the severity of the injury .

Looking Ahead

While Mendy is determined to regain fitness for the Madrid derby on March 22, the club believes his return is unlikely . His recovery will be closely monitored, and his return to action will depend on his progress.