After three seasons at Rayo Vallecano, Fran Garcia returned to Real Madrid. The squad from the Spanish capital activated their buy-back option, paying just €5 million for the teenage defender.
Now, the 24-year-old has been Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice left-back since the season began, although this is mostly due to the absence of Ferland Mendy due to injury.
The Frenchman suffered an injury in the United States during a pre-season friendly, allowing Garcia to take the lead in the race.
A difficult battle, but Garcia is expected to win.
Despite his inconsistent performances early in the season, Garcia is projected to remain Madrid’s first-choice left-back, according to Spanish daily AS.
Mendy, who is nearing the conclusion of his suspension, is still struggling with his fitness. Furthermore, Ancelotti seems to be put off by the Frenchman’s lack of offensive ability.
For what it’s worth, it’ll be a crucial season for Mendy, particularly after missing the most of the 2022-23 season due to two separate injuries.
Now, the 28-year-old is expected to be eligible for the Real Sociedad match, although it remains to be seen who will finally receive the nod.
Garcia is not the ideal choice, but he is the only one.
Garcia has sometimes shown his ability with irregular spurts of brilliance, although without making a substantial forward impact.
However, during the game against Getafe, he made a mistake that resulted in a goal, causing Ancelotti to replace him in the 45th minute.
The game against Real Sociedad will be essential for both Mendy and Garcia, although the latter is more likely to start since Madrid would not want to push Mendy into the starting XI. A gradual and steady assimilation is anticipated.