Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back set to miss Man City clash, a doubt for derby vs Atletico
Real Madrid have received another setback during a demanding part of the season after defender Ferland Mendy suffered a new injury following the recent Champions League clash with Manchester City.
According to information reported by Alvaro Esteban, medical examinations carried out have confirmed that the French full-back has sustained a muscle injury in his right hamstring.
The problem occurred during Real Madrid’s match against Manchester City and will now force the defender to miss the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.
The latest setback adds Mendy to an already lengthy injury list at Real Madrid.
With his absence confirmed, the number of unavailable players in the squad has now reached eight, further complicating the situation for coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
At this stage, there is no clear timeline for Mendy’s return. This means the defender is also considered doubtful for the upcoming Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 22.
Unfortunate with injuries
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, the player is reportedly determined to try everything possible to be available for that important match.
Internally, however, the club believes it will be very difficult for him to regain full fitness in time.
This injury also continues a frustrating pattern for the defender during the current season.
Earlier in the campaign, Mendy had just returned from a serious problem. His comeback came in a match against Olympiacos, and his performance in that game left a positive impression.
However, only five days later, the defender suffered another setback when he sustained a tear in the biceps femoris of his right leg, which forced him to spend three weeks on the sidelines.
Mendy eventually returned to action around the time of the Spanish Super Cup. He played 22 minutes in the semifinal against Atletico Madrid.
Unfortunately, his comeback was again interrupted by another injury. Shortly after that appearance, he suffered a tear in his right calf, which kept him out of action for roughly a month.
The defender later returned to the pitch during a match against Celta Vigo, delivering a strong performance that helped him regain his place in the team ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester City.
Yet after that appearance against City, Mendy has once again been forced to step away from the pitch due to injury.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
