What a night at the Bernabeu! Securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of our Champions League Round of 16 tie is exactly the kind of European magic we live for.
However, it wasn’t a perfect evening under the lights for Alvaro Arbeloa’s men. While we were already navigating the massive absences of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Alvaro Carreras, the injury bug has taken another bite out of our squad.
The Toll of the Tie
Ferland Mendy, who was forced into his second consecutive start after grinding out 90 minutes against Celta Vigo on Friday, saw his body break down in the first half of the City clash. He was pulled at half-time, with Fran Garcia stepping in to help us secure that crucial clean sheet.
Arbeloa didn’t mince words after the whistle, confirming that Mendy’s injury “does not look good.” Medical tests are scheduled for Thursday to determine the true extent of the hamstring issue, but we are all bracing for what could be another frustrating lay-off for the luckless Frenchman.
The Left-Back Dilemma: What’s Next?
With Mendy set to hit the treatment table, Arbeloa is facing a serious headache on the left flank as we look ahead to our domestic and European schedule:
- Out for Elche: Mendy is officially ruled out for this weekend’s La Liga clash against Elche.
- Fran Garcia’s Moment: Garcia is now our only available natural left-back. Arbeloa hasn’t leaned on the La Fabrica graduate as heavily as Xabi Alonso did, but it’s officially time for Fran to step up and prove his worth.
- Carreras Closing In: The silver lining? Alvaro Carreras is expected to return in time for the second leg in Manchester next week. However, stepping straight into the Etihad without full match sharpness is a massive ask.