Great news, Madridistas! It looks like our defensive left flank is about to be locked down once again. According to the latest reports swirling around the Spanish press, Ferland Mendy has completed yet another full training session with the main group at Valdebebas.
Even better? He looks absolutely primed and ready to start when Los Blancos welcome Bayern Munich for the massive return leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals next Wednesday.
The Missing Piece to the Puzzle
We all remember the heartbreak of the Round of 16 first leg against Manchester City. Mendy was having a truly spectacular game, locking down his side of the pitch with his trademark physical dominance, right up until that frustrating hamstring injury forced him off.
Since then, we’ve felt his absence. Let’s be honest: Álvaro Carreras has been underwhelming covering that spot over the last few weeks. The coaching staff knows it, and the fans know it. Getting Mendy’s defensive solidity back in the starting XI against a dangerous Bayern side is exactly the boost we need to push through to the Semifinals.
Eyes on Girona First
Before we can completely focus our energy on the Bavarians, we have domestic business to handle. Real Madrid hosts Girona at the Bernabéu this Friday.
So, how will Álvaro Arbeloa handle the squad?
While we expect the boss to make a few strategic rotations to keep legs fresh, Los Blancos will actually enjoy a solid pocket of time off between Friday’s match and next Wednesday’s European clash. Because of this, expect Arbeloa to deploy a very strong starting XI tomorrow to secure all three points against Girona and keep the momentum rolling.
Having Mendy back in the fold gives Arbeloa exactly the kind of tactical flexibility and defensive security he needs ahead of our biggest week of the season.