Real Madrid have submitted their squad for this season’s Champions League to UEFA without Ferland Mendy, with the omission allowing newly signed Sergio Martinez to take his place in the European selection.
According to Marca, the French left-back was left out to create room for Martinez, who recently joined Real Madrid from Racing. The decision could give the 20-year-old an unexpected opportunity to make his Champions League debut when Real Madrid begin their campaign against Inter Milan at home next Tuesday.
Martinez was initially recruited to strengthen Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve side, rather than the first-team squad. However, he has trained under Jose Mourinho this week and has reportedly made a positive impression on both the manager and the senior players.
His inclusion comes at a time when Real Madrid are facing several selection problems before their opening match in Europe. Mourinho will be unable to select Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga or Bernardo Silva because they are suspended.
There are also doubts over Aurelien Tchouameni, who has not been included in any squad so far this season and did not feature in the pre-season matches. His absence has been linked to an unclear muscular injury. Tiago Pitarch’s fitness is also uncertain.
As a result, Martinez could make his first Champions League appearance only five days after being added to his first Real Madrid squad as a senior player.
Mendy’s recovery remains uncertain
Mendy returned to the Valdebebas training ground around two weeks ago, but Real Madrid remain cautious about setting a date for his return to competitive action because of his extensive injury record.
The most optimistic estimates had suggested that he could be back in September or October. Those projections followed surgery after he suffered a tear to the tendon of the rectus femoris muscle in his right leg.
Although Mendy has now been seen at the club’s training base, there are still questions over whether he will be physically ready to resume playing after the operation. His omission from the Champions League squad reflects the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.
The arrival of Marc Cucurella, combined with Fran Garcia’s departure, means Real Madrid have two alternative options at left-back alongside Alvaro Carreras. That depth has reduced the immediate need to include Mendy, particularly while doubts remain about his ability to return at full fitness.
Real Madrid’s list submitted to UEFA also contains eight players registered through List B. They are defenders Fortia, Juan Martinez and Mario Rivas; midfielders Thiago, Cestero, Lacosta and Valero; and forward Yanez.
The club’s decision to include Martinez could therefore prove significant before their first European fixture, with the young defender potentially moving directly from an intended role with Castilla into the demands of the Champions League.
