Ferland Mendy has been omitted from the List A squad submitted to UEFA.
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Real Madrid Leave Ferland Mendy Out of Their Champions League Squad
Real Madrid have finalized the group of players who will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign, and one of the biggest stories is not among those included, but among those left out.
The French left-back continues working toward his return following surgery, and the Spanish giants decided to use the available spot to register Sergio Martínez, one of the signings initially intended for Real Madrid Castilla who has quickly caught the attention of José Mourinho.
It is a decision that could have immediate consequences.
Real Madrid open their European campaign this Tuesday against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, and they will enter the match with several problems when it comes to building their midfield.
Sergio Martínez Earns an Unexpected Opportunity
When Sergio Martínez arrived from Racing de Santander, the initial plan was for him to begin his time in Madrid as part of Real Madrid Castilla.
But his first training sessions have changed the situation.
The young player has trained under Mourinho this week, and his performances have made a strong impression on both the coaching staff and members of the first-team squad.
Now he could be rewarded much sooner than expected.
His inclusion in the UEFA Champions League squad even opens the possibility of him getting minutes against Inter Milan, just days after being included in a first-team matchday squad for the first time.
And circumstances could work in his favor.
Mourinho will be without Arda Güler, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva against the Italian side due to suspension. There are also doubts surrounding Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has yet to be included in a squad this season because of physical problems, while Thiago’s availability is also uncertain.
Suddenly, a player who arrived expecting to play for Real Madrid Castilla could find himself with an opportunity in Europe’s biggest club competition.
Real Madrid Will Not Take Any Risks With Mendy
Mendy’s absence also reflects the caution surrounding his recovery within the club.
The Frenchman has already returned to working on the pitch at Valdebebas, but his history of physical problems means Real Madrid are being extremely careful with his recovery.
Mendy underwent surgery after suffering a tear in the rectus femoris tendon of his right leg, and although September or October had emerged as possible dates for his return, there is still no intention to rush the process.
In addition, Mourinho has enough alternatives at left-back.
The arrival of Marc Cucurella, combined with the presence of Álvaro Carreras, gives Real Madrid two options in that position following the departure of Fran García.
With two alternatives available and Mendy still recovering, using his place for another player ultimately made more sense.
The Academy Will Also Have a Presence in Europe
Real Madrid’s European squad once again leaves room for several young players who will be available during the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
List B includes Jesús Fortea, Joan Martínez and Mario Rivas as defensive options; Thiago, Chema Andrés Cestero, Lacosta and Valero in midfield; as well as Yáñez in attack.
Sergio Martínez, because of his particular situation, completes the group of young players registered and becomes one of the names to watch over the coming weeks.
The immediate priority, however, is the opening match.
Inter Milan visit the Santiago Bernabéu, and Mourinho will have to rebuild part of his team because of suspensions and injuries.
While Mendy continues working toward his return to the field, Sergio Martínez could go from Real Madrid Castilla to experiencing his first major UEFA Champions League night in a matter of days.
