FC Barcelona have been forced to wait for their coronation as La Liga champions despite winning their game against CA Osasuna last weekend, as arch-rivals Real Madrid beat RCD Espanyol on Sunday.
However, it gifts the Blaugrana a golden opportunity to secure the league title against Real Madrid this weekend in the Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou.
And, leading up to the game, Los Blancos have been hit with a fresh injury blow, with a key member of their defensive line getting ruled out.
Ferland Mendy out
Indeed, veteran left-back Ferland Mendy has been sidelined with an injury to the rectus femoris tendon of his right leg, Real Madrid confirmed officially today.
While the club statement did not specify a recovery timeline, COPE has confirmed in a follow-up report that the 30-year-old defender’s season is now over.
In fact, Mendy could be sidelined for as long as five months if he is forced to undergo surgery to treat the issue, much like he had to last year when he suffered another injury in the same area.
So, it effectively rules Mendy out of the upcoming El Clasico this weekend at the Spotify Camp Nou.
The left-back joins fellow defender Eder Militao, midfielder Arda Guler, and forward Rodrygo Goes on the list of absentees, with all three ruled out for the season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are still sweating over the availability of star forward Kylian Mbappe, who will undergo tests later this week. However, Thibaut Courtois is expected to return.
Meanwhile, Barcelona themselves will be without Lamine Yamal for the contest, but they did welcome Marc Bernal and Raphinha back to the squad this past weekend.
