Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy will train on the pitch with his team-mates for the first time since undergoing surgery, manager Jose Mourinho has announced.
Mendy’s rehabilitation has lasted longer and proved more complicated than initially expected, but his return to outdoor training represents an important stage in his recovery.
“Mendy will train on the pitch with us for the first time,” Mourinho said at a news conference on Friday.
The France full-back last played on 3 May against Espanyol. After only a few minutes, he felt severe pain in his right thigh and was forced to leave the field.
Medical examinations revealed an injury to the tendon of the rectus femoris muscle. It was the same area in which Mendy had previously suffered an injury that required surgery.
He underwent an operation one week later to treat the problem. Initial estimates suggested he would be out for about five months, but his history of injuries and the complexity of his recovery led Real Madrid to adopt the greatest possible caution.
A long road back
Mendy’s return to grass training does not mean he is ready to play. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, he still has several stages to complete before receiving medical clearance and rebuilding the rhythm required for competitive football.
Marca described the Frenchman’s comeback as one “no-one expected”.
The defender is also returning to a different situation from the one he left in the spring. The competition for the left-back position has changed, while his lengthy injury record means his comeback presents another challenge.
However, Mendy has one significant advantage: Real Madrid do not need to rush him back into matches this time.
His training progression will therefore be assessed carefully as he works towards full fitness following the operation.
