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Manchester City's Benjamin Mendy Underwent Surgery for Knee Injury
November 14, 2018
Manchester City and France international left-back Benjamin Mendy had surgery on his left knee on Wednesday.
The Citizens announced the news via their official website, detailing how the former AS Monaco defender travelled to Barcelona for the surgery, which took place at the clinic of Dr. Ramon Cugat.
Mendy withdrew from the France squad following his participation in Sunday's derby win against Manchester United in the Premier League.
No timetable has been set for Mendy's recovery after this latest procedure. However, the player sounded optimistic after the surgery, even making light of his popularity among fantasy football players:
This is the second time Mendy has had surgery for problems with his knees since moving to Manchester last summer. He signed for City in a then-world-record deal for a defender, worth Ā£52 million, after helping Monaco win theĀ LigueĀ 1 title in the 2016/17 campaign.
Mendy's debut season at theĀ EtihadĀ Stadium was curtailed when he tore theĀ ACLĀ in his right knee, forcing him to miss seven months.
He returned at the start of this season and added an extra dimension to City's already awesome attack.
With his pace, power and relentless running, Mendy has become an invaluable creative outlet for Pep Guardiola's side:
Mendy's absence will leaveĀ GuardiolaĀ leaning on the versatility of certain players. Last season, it involved utilising converted midfielders FabianĀ DelphĀ andĀ OleksandrĀ Zinchenko.
Alternatively, centre-backĀ AymericĀ LaporteĀ is also left-footed and has the technique in possession to handle coming out of the middle to play full-back.
One positive forĀ GuardiolaĀ is thatĀ DaniloĀ recently returned to training after an injury picked up on international duty with Brazil, perĀ Joe BrayĀ of theĀ Manchester Evening News. The former Real Madrid manĀ can play ub either full-back spot and givesĀ GuardiolaĀ a true defender if the manager opts against turning to a natural left-footer to stand in for Mendy.
Losing Mendy is an obvious blow, although City still managed to become the first team to win the Premier League with 100 points despite missing him for most of last season.
GuardiolaĀ has the resources to cope again.