Real Madrid‘s left back signing of the summer, Ferland Mendy, was in training on Monday for the first time since the preseason.
Ferland Mendy is making good progress on his path back to Zinedine Zidane’s lineup after suffering a thigh injury midway through the preseason. The French international signed in mid-June and is expected to compete with Marcelo all season for that starting spot on defense.
Mendy made his return to Real Madrid training on Monday, but was unable to complete the full session as a precaution. Mendy was closely monitored along with Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz, and Rodrygo Goes who are all trying to shake off lingering muscle problems.
Mendy should be considered questionable for the La Liga home-opener on Saturday against Real Valladolid as he the club is in no hurry to get him back on the field. Marcelo was brilliant in Madrid’s 3-1 win over Celta Vigo this past weekend and will without a doubt start this weekend as well.
Zizou has placed his confidence in Marcelo and the Br azilian has repaid him in full with the way he has been playing in the last few matches. He has been effective and aggressive on the offensive end and has actually managed to track back on defense to help Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
In training on Monday, the first teamers were joined by Castilla players Diego Altube and Fran Garcia who are being tested out by the coaching staff.
Mendy was a little shaky in his three preseason appearances, but it just seemed the fullback was getting acclimated to his new environment. Based off of what I have seen when he was at Lyon, Mendy is a pacey player who can play on both ends much like Marcelo.
It would be great to see Hazard make his debut in Madrid this weekend, however, if he is not 100 percent, there is little doubt Zidane will sit him again to make sure he is fit later in the season.