Mendy to be sidelined for about a month

Ferland Mendy is suffering from a biceps femoris injury in his left leg, which will keep him out for three to four weeks. The French player was injured during the Champions League match against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday night. The French full-back had been feeling discomfort in that leg throughout the second half, but when he sent a pass back to Courtois, Mendy fell to the ground, signalling for a substitution.

The silver lining for Real Madrid is that after this weekend, the international break arrives, providing a whole week without matches. This could aid the player's recovery, potentially missing fewer games. Mendy is likely to miss the La Liga matches against Villarreal, Leganés, and Valencia. He will also not make it to the Copa del Rey return leg against Real Sociedad on April 1st. Timelines suggest a possible return for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal.

The Frenchman was neither having his best match nor his best season. This injury is the second he has suffered this campaign. The previous one was in his right quadriceps, which kept him out for about two weeks. This recurring muscle fragility is preventing him from gaining the competitive rhythm that would allow him to perform at his level from previous seasons.

Carlo Ancelotti does not have many options to replace the French player. The main alternative is Fran García, who has been given many opportunities due to Mendy's inconsistency, but he has not fully convinced Ancelotti. Another option is the recently recovered David Alaba, who has experience in that left-back position, although he is now accustomed to playing as a centre-back. Camavinga could also leave the midfield to play on the flank, but the numerous absences in that position make it difficult for him to switch. The Real Madrid coach faces a challenging task in finding a replacement for one of his most indispensable players.