Mendy, back to work after the Champions League debacle

Real Madrid returned to training on Thursday after Tuesday's unexpected Champions League defeat to Sheriff Tiraspol (1-2) ahead of the game against Espanyol on Sunday (16:15 CET) with the novelty of Frenchman Ferland Mendy working at the same pace as his teammates.

The Frenchman is continuing his fitness training after an ordeal he has been going through since 5th May, the day Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the semi-finals, when he suffered a tibia problem. However, Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti does not expect to be able to count on him until after the international break.

Marcelo, who has only played two minutes so far this season, also continued his recovery, working on his own with and without the ball on the pitch at the Real Madrid City. Spaniards Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos, as well as Welshman Gareth Bale, worked indoors.

 

September 30, 2021

After a rest day following three games in six days, Ancelotti's side had " a series of fitness exercises and demanding running drills" to kick off and then " worked on rondos, tactics and possession and pressing drills", the club said on its website.

Real Madrid visit Espanyol on Sunday to defend their LaLiga lead, one point ahead of Real Sociedad.

 

September 30, 2021