Ferland Mendy ‘could return’ vs Juventus, but don’t expect Madrid’s left flank to be fixed overnight

Real Madrid are quietly briefing that Ferland Mendy might be in contention for a call-up against Juventus, yet from a rival’s vantage point this feels like another mirage. The left-back has only just tiptoed back into group work after a thigh issue and, history tells us, Madrid often rush the optimism long before the player is genuinely ready. Even if he’s named, expect a token bench spot or a late cameo at best—hardly the cavalry charge their shaky left side needs. Until he strings together full sessions and back-to-back matches, Madrid’s defensive balance on that flank remains more hope than reality.

Local reports in Madrid indicate Mendy has resumed parts of first-team training after a thigh problem and could be considered for selection in the upcoming clash with Juventus. The club has not released an official squad list at the time of writing, and medical guidance typically requires a sustained block of full-intensity sessions before match involvement. The fixture falls in a congested period, increasing the risk calculus around any accelerated return.

🚨 BREAKING: Ferland Mendy could return vs Juventus. He has chances to be CALLED UP! @miguelitocope

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

Should Ferland Mendy make the squad, the immediate tactical impact is likely minimal. After a layoff, rhythm, acceleration over the first five meters, and timing in 1v1 duels are the last things to return. Madrid rely on Mendy for two key traits: defensive isolation security against elite wide men and press-resistance in the first phase when building down the left. When he’s sharp, he can lock down his flank and allow the left-sided center-back to hold a narrower position, compressing central lanes. But any version short of peak fitness introduces hesitancy—exactly what opponents target with diagonal switches and early overlaps.

For Juventus, the game plan is straightforward: test that corridor relentlessly. Drive runs into the channel, pull him into recovery sprints, and force body-position changes with quick combinations. If Madrid protect him with a deeper left eight or ask their winger to track more diligently, they’ll blunt their own transitions. That’s a trade-off they won’t like. Madrid’s alternatives—shuffling a midfielder to emergency full-back duty or trusting a more offensive left-back—also come with defensive compromises.

In short, even a nominal “return” doesn’t erase the structural questions. Until Mendy logs 70–90 minute outings consecutively, Madrid’s left side remains the obvious pressure point, and Juventus will smell that weakness from the first whistle.

Reaction

Social chatter split down familiar lines. A cluster of Madrid fans pleaded for minutes, hoping a cameo could stabilize the flank. Others mocked the never-ending “maybe” cycle—one voice blasted the vague updates as empty noise, tired of conditional headlines that never materialize. Several admitted they’d barely noticed Mendy lately, joking they almost forgot he still wears white, which underscores how sporadic his availability has been.

There was also comic confusion: a few readers misread the update as a transfer twist toward Juventus and briefly celebrated the idea, only to realize it was an injury note about a potential call-up. More measured commenters pointed out he has started training with the group and, if he avoids setbacks, could sneak into the matchday list later this month. The pragmatic camp warned that “being called up” is not the same as being match-ready, especially with muscle injuries. Overall, optimism exists—but it’s fragile, wrapped in wariness after too many stop-start returns.

Social reactions

However, starting might be a stretch, but being on the bench would be a possibility.

KhurramPK 🇵🇰 (@KhurramPak90)

Given Mendy's current progress, if he continues to train without setbacks, he might be included in the squad for the Champions League match against Juventus Turin on October 23.

KhurramPK 🇵🇰 (@KhurramPak90)

Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, is likely to take a cautious approach with Mendy's return, considering his history of injuries.

KhurramPK 🇵🇰 (@KhurramPak90)

Prediction

Expect conservative management. At best, Mendy lands on the bench for optics and emergency coverage. If he appears, it’s a tightly managed late cameo under 15 minutes, with instructions to keep positioning disciplined rather than bombing forward. Any hint of discomfort in the final training session likely removes him from the list entirely.

Looking ahead, the realistic path is phased reintegration: incremental training loads this week, potential short cameos across the next two fixtures, and a first meaningful start only after he strings together multiple full sessions without reaction. Given his recurrence history, a genuine, 90-minute Mendy—the version that locks down elite wingers—probably arrives weeks from now rather than days. Madrid will talk up progress, but the schedule density and his muscle profile argue for patience. If forced to pick a timeline, circle mid-to-late next month for a true return to form, not the token appearances that keep headlines busy but solve little on the pitch.

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Conclusion

Strip away the hype and the picture is plain: “could be called up” is not the same as “is ready.” Madrid’s left flank remains a vulnerability that a smart opponent will probe, and Mendy’s name on a teamsheet won’t magically change the duel outcomes if his timing and top speed aren’t back. The club needs him at full capacity for the long haul, not as a rushed patch in a marquee fixture.

From a rival’s lens, this is perfect: the narrative of a returning defender inviting complacency, while the reality on the grass still favors those who run at him early and often. Until he stacks reliable minutes, Madrid will juggle compromises on that side—either overprotecting the lane or surrendering space elsewhere. The safest conclusion remains the least glamorous: the authentic version of Ferland Mendy, the shutdown left-back, is still some distance away. Expect noise now, substance later.