Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have confirmed that Nuno Mendes has suffered a sprain in his left knee, ruling the Portuguese left-back out of action for several weeks. The announcement came through an official club statement following medical examinations conducted after training earlier this week. Mendes, one of PSG’s most dynamic defenders, will remain under close medical supervision as he begins his recovery process.
The injury comes at a critical stage of the season, with PSG competing on multiple fronts including Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, and the Coupe de France. The club has not specified an exact return date, stating only that Mendes will “continue to receive medical care and undergo rehabilitation over the next few weeks.” The statement also assured supporters that further updates would be provided as his recovery progresses.
How the Injury Happened
Sources close to the team report that Mendes sustained the sprain during a training session at the Camp des Loges after an awkward challenge while attempting a defensive recovery. The 22-year-old immediately felt discomfort and was taken off the pitch for medical evaluation. Scans later confirmed that he had not suffered ligament damage but did have a significant sprain requiring rest and physiotherapy.
Team doctors have prescribed a conservative treatment plan involving rest, ice therapy, and gradual mobility exercises. This cautious approach aims to prevent any aggravation, given Mendes’s history of muscular and knee issues over the past two seasons.
PSG’s Official Statement
In a brief but clear announcement, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the diagnosis: “Nuno Mendes suffered a sprain in his left knee. He will remain under medical care and follow a specific rehabilitation program over the next few weeks.” The statement also expressed optimism about his recovery timeline and emphasized the medical team’s commitment to ensuring his full fitness before returning to competition.
Setback for PSG’s Defense
Mendes’s injury represents a setback for manager Luis Enrique, who has relied on the young full-back for both defensive balance and attacking support. Known for his explosive pace, intelligent positioning, and crossing ability, Mendes plays a crucial role in PSG’s modern tactical setup, often providing width and overlapping runs on the left flank.
His absence leaves PSG with limited natural options in that position. Spanish full-back Juan Bernat remains sidelined, and Lucas Hernandez, though versatile, has primarily featured as a center-back. Enrique may have to improvise with defensive rotations or tactical adjustments, possibly deploying Achraf Hakimi on the left or promoting a youth player from the academy.
Nuno Mendes’ Injury History
The Portuguese international’s career has been marked by bursts of brilliance punctuated by fitness challenges. Since joining PSG from Sporting CP in 2021, Mendes has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising left-backs. However, he missed large parts of the 2023–24 season due to hamstring injuries and muscle fatigue, limiting his match rhythm.
Medical experts note that knee sprains are less severe than ligament tears but still require careful rehabilitation to avoid long-term complications. Mendes’s medical team will focus on strengthening surrounding muscles and ensuring full mobility before resuming full training.
Impact on PSG’s Season
Mendes’s absence could affect PSG’s rhythm, especially in high-intensity Champions League fixtures. His chemistry with forwards like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé has been key in stretching opposing defenses and creating space for central attackers. Without him, PSG’s build-up play may lack natural width and speed transitions.
Analysts predict that Enrique may adjust the formation temporarily, possibly switching to a three-man defense with wing-backs, a system that minimizes the need for a traditional left-back. This could also allow new signings and squad players to gain more playing time as the coach manages workloads during a congested fixture period.
Team and Fan Reactions
Following the announcement, PSG players and fans flooded social media with messages of support. Club captain Marquinhos wrote on Instagram, “Stay strong, brother. We know you’ll come back stronger.” Portuguese teammates like Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos also shared encouraging messages, highlighting Mendes’s importance in both the dressing room and on the pitch.
Supporters at the Parc des Princes have expressed concern but remain optimistic about his recovery, recalling his resilience and determination in previous comebacks. Mendes is widely admired not only for his defensive tenacity but also for his humility and professionalism at a young age.
For now, PSG’s medical staff will focus on Mendes’s short-term recovery while ensuring no risk of re-injury. The club’s medical department, considered one of the most advanced in European football, is confident that he could return before the end of the winter fixture run if rehabilitation progresses smoothly.
Luis Enrique, known for his emphasis on player rotation, will likely use this period to test alternative defensive systems. His ability to adapt tactically will be crucial as PSG navigates key league and European matches without one of their star defenders.
Mendes’s injury is an unfortunate setback, but it also presents an opportunity for PSG to showcase the depth of their squad. With strong medical support, strategic squad management, and Mendes’s proven resilience, the club expects him to return fully fit and ready to reclaim his place on the left flank.
