Mendy back with the squad in Real Madrid training

Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy rejoined the squad in training this Thursday after recovering successfully from the thigh injury he picked up a month ago. Mendy had been completing portions of the training sessions with the squad this week but today he finally trained with his teammates during the whole practice.

Therefore, Mendy will be available when Real Madrid host Valladolid next Saturday. Still, coach Zinedine Zidane and the coaching staff will most likely keep him on the bench so that he has a bit more time to improve his conditioning after missing so many training sessions.

Mendy will be expected to compete with Marcelo for the starting left-back spot. His physicality and speed without the ball will be a very valuable asset for Zidane if Madrid decide to play with a counterattacking style more often this season.

Los Blancos spent €50 million to sign Mendy away from Lyon this summer and they believe that he has the quality to be a long-term starter for Madrid once Marcelo enters his decline.