Mendy Left Out of Real Madrid's Champions League Squad

Ferland Mendy has suffered a brutal blow in his bid to reclaim a starting spot at Real Madrid, left out of the club’s Champions League squad for the new league phase.

The French left-back, still working his way back from the injury that cut short his previous campaign, is nowhere to be seen on the official UEFA list submitted by the club. As Jose Mourinho signs off on his European group, Mendy’s name is the one glaring omission.

All this as the stage is being dressed for a heavyweight opener at the Santiago Bernabeu against Inter Milan next week. The lights will be on. Mendy will not be involved.

Mendy out, Militao and Rodrygo in

The decision is not simply a blanket ruling on injured players. Mourinho has chosen a different path with other long-term absentees.

• Eder Militao is in.
• Rodrygo is in.

Both have been registered and will form part of a squad built to go deep into Europe again. Their inclusion underlines a clear bet from the technical staff: they believe those two can contribute at some stage in this league phase.

Mendy, by contrast, has been left to focus entirely on his recovery. No safety net, no late European cameo unless the list changes later in the season. For now, the Champions League will go on without him.

The call sums up the balancing act facing Mourinho and his staff. They must juggle fitness doubts, dressing-room hierarchy and the demands of a long European run, all while keeping enough cover in every line of the pitch.

Youth brigade bolsters List B

While List A holds few shocks, the real movement comes on List B. There, Real Madrid have loaded up on youth.

A total of 11 Castilla players make the cut, a clear signal that Mourinho is ready to lean on the academy if needed. New signing Sergio Martinez stands out among them, handed the number 38 shirt and a fast-track into the European picture.

He is joined by promising goalkeepers Sergio Mestre and Javi Navarro, who will shadow the senior options and give depth in a position where one injury can change everything. At the back, defenders such as Fortea and Joan Martinez step into the frame, offering fresh legs and energy as emergency cover.

These names may barely register outside Valdebebas for now, but they sit one step away from the Champions League stage. One suspension, one knock, one rotation call, and the door opens.

Domestic tests arrive fast

With the Champions League list now fixed, Real Madrid must immediately switch back into domestic mode.

Next up: a demanding clash with Real Betis at La Cartuja, a fixture that offers no time for easing into the season. Mourinho’s side will need intensity, control and depth, and some of those young faces have already been pulled closer to the action. Sergio Martinez, in particular, has earned senior call-ups and could find himself thrown into the fire sooner rather than later.

As Los Blancos wrestle with the twin pressures of Europe and the league, Mendy’s reality is far more solitary. No Champions League nights, no Inter Milan, no anthem. Just training pitches, rehab sessions and the long road back.

Real Madrid move on with their European plan. Mendy, for now, has to wait his turn.