Real Madrid suffers major blow as their star player gets injured ahead of Celta Vigo La Liga clash

La Liga giants Real Madrid have been dealt another crushing setback as their star left-back sustained an injury ahead of a critical clash against Celta Vigo. Fresh off the agony of a Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona, Los Blancos now face a defensive crisis while scrambling to regroup for their upcoming league fixture. With key players already sidelined, manager Carlo Ancelotti must navigate a thinning squad as the team aims to bounce back. But who is the latest casualty, and how will Madrid adapt?

Ferland Mendy’s injury timeline and Ancelotti’s dilemma

Real Madrid confirmed Tuesday that French defender Ferland Mendy suffered a torn thigh muscle, sidelining him until mid-July at the earliest. The injury, sustained during training last month, rules him out of not only the imminent Celta Vigo match but also the summer’s Club World Cup.

Mendy’s absence adds to a growing list of defensive woes: center-back Antonio Rüdiger recently underwent surgery, ending his domestic season, while versatile midfielder Eduardo Camavinga—often deployed as a makeshift left-back—remains unavailable due to his own fitness issues.

The domino effect on Real Madrid’s backline

With Ferland Mendy out, 24-year-old Fran García emerges as the sole natural left-back option. However, García’s limited experience at the elite level raises questions about Madrid’s defensive solidity. To compound issues, right-back Dani Carvajal and center-back Éder Militão are also rehabilitating injuries, leaving Ancelotti with just five fit defenders.

Among them, Lucas Vázquez—a right-back shown a red card in the Copa del Rey final—faces uncertainty beyond this season, as his contract expires this summer amid rumors of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold joining the squad.

Tactical adjustments and squad strain

Ancelotti’s defensive options now hinge on a patchwork lineup:

David Alaba and Raúl Asencio anchor the center-back roles.

Jesús Vallejo, rarely used this season, may see unexpected minutes.

Lucas Vázquez, despite his suspension limited to next season’s Copa del Rey, remains the only right-back available.

The injury crisis couldn’t come at a worse time. Madrid’s backline, once a fortress, now looks vulnerable as they juggle La Liga ambitions and a looming Club World Cup campaign. Ferland Mendy’s absence strips the team of his pace and defensive discipline, critical for neutralizing counterattacks.

Broader implications

Ferland Mendy’s three-month recovery timeline casts doubt on his role in Madrid’s long-term plans. With the Club World Cup approaching, his absence forces the club to rely on untested combinations. Meanwhile, García’s performances under pressure could determine whether Madrid pursues a left-back in the transfer window.

For Ancelotti, the challenge is twofold: stabilizing a depleted defense and maintaining morale after consecutive blows. As the season’s climax nears, Madrid’s depth—or lack thereof—will be tested like never before.

What’s next for Los Blancos?

With Celta Vigo looming, Real Madrid must rally quickly. Can García rise to the occasion, or will Ancelotti’s tactical ingenuity paper over the cracks? One thing is clear: Madrid’s quest for silverware this season hinges on their ability to survive this defensive storm.