Despite their recent victory over CA Osasuna last weekend, FC Barcelona still has to postpone their celebration as La Liga champions, thanks to arch-rivals Real Madrid defeating RCD Espanyol on Sunday.
This situation now provides the Blaugrana with a crucial chance to clinch the league title in this weekend’s Clasico against Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou.
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Leading up to the match, Los Blancos have encountered another setback with one of their key defenders ruled out due to injury.
Veteran left-back Ferland Mendy has been confirmed to be sidelined with a rectus femoris tendon injury in his right leg, according to an official announcement from Real Madrid today.
Although the club did not provide a specific recovery timeline, a report from COPE has indicated that the 30-year-old defender’s season is over.
It is possible that Mendy could be out for up to five months if surgery is required, similar to a previous injury he suffered in the same area last year.
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His injury effectively rules him out of the upcoming El Clasico this weekend at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Mendy joins fellow injured players Eder Militao, midfielder Arda Guler, and forward Rodrygo Goes, both of whom will not return this season.
Real Madrid is also anxiously awaiting news on star forward Kylian Mbappe, who is scheduled for tests later this week. On a positive note, Thibaut Courtois is believed to be on track for a return.
On the other hand, Barcelona will be without Lamine Yamal for the matchup but has welcomed back Marc Bernal and Raphinha after their return from injuries last weekend.