Ferland Mendy continues to make progress in his recovery and provided one of the day's positive updates for Real Madrid .
Indeed, according to Bernabeu Digital , the French full-back has now started working with the ball, another step in the process aimed at getting him back into competitive action after the injury that has kept him sidelined.
The player himself has offered encouraging feedback on his current condition. Asked about his recovery, Mendy was brief but emphatic: "Great, great. Better."
His response reflects the positive progress being made as he begins to incorporate ball work into his training sessions.
Ferland Mendy suffered an injury in May. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Mendy has been out of action for Real Madrid since May earlier this year after suffering from a tendon rupture.
Having started the La Liga game against RCD Espanyol , the 31-year-old left-back had to come off only 15 minutes into the match and tests confirmed the severe blow.
More than five months into his recovery, the Frenchman has taken another important step forward towards making his comeback for Real Madrid.
Returning to ball work represents an important milestone for any player approaching the final stages of rehabilitation.
Mendy still has several stages to complete before he can be cleared to play, but this latest development gives Real Madrid greater optimism about his return.
The French full-back is an experienced member of the Madrid squad, and his recovery could give Jose Mourinho another option at left-back.
Taking a step forward. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The manager currently has Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras available in that position, while Mendy's return would add experience and competition to an especially demanding area of the pitch.
For now, the priority is for Mendy to gradually increase his workload and monitor how his body responds as he continues his rehabilitation.
This positive development is one of several that Real Madrid have received at the start of the week.
Mendy's fellow defender, Eder Militao, resumed group training today, while Rodrygo , recovering from an ACL injury, has also started training with the ball .
