Mourinho axes Mendy from Real Madrid UCL squad as Goretzka races for Villa debut

José Mourinho has caused a stir at Real Madrid by dropping left-back Ferland Mendy from his Champions League squad to make room for a promising academy graduate. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been handed a major boost as Leon Goretzka faces a race against time to be fit for their European opener.

UEFA

02:40 - 10/10/2026

Mourinho axes Mendy from Champions League squad in Real Madrid shockwave

José Mourinho shocks Real Madrid by dropping Ferland Mendy from the Champions League squad.

José Mourinho has caused a shock by abruptly dropping Ferland Mendy from Real Madrid's Champions League squad, despite the left-back recently returning to training after five months out with a rectus femoris injury. Instead, the manager has handed an immediate opportunity to 19-year-old talent Sergio Martínez, a €3m signing from Racing Santander. Real Madrid remain highly confident on the left flank thanks to their €55m blockbuster signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.

Goretzka races against time to make Aston Villa Champions League debut

Leon Goretzka races against time to make his Champions League debut for Aston Villa.

Midfielder Leon Goretzka is working hard to recover from a knee injury sustained in August to make his Aston Villa debut against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Unai Emery has left the door open for the German midfielder's inclusion, although he is ruled out of this weekend's domestic fixture. The 2020 Champions League winner's wealth of experience, boasting 73 appearances in Europe's elite competition, promises to be a high-quality addition for Aston Villa.

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