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Nuno Mendes exits match after halftime, raising fitness concerns
The PSG left-back was substituted shortly after entering the pitch at halftime, adding to a growing list of physical setbacks this season
Nuno Mendes came on at halftime. Then he came right back off. The Paris Saint-Germain left-back was introduced as a substitute at the break during PSG’s match against Tottenham Hotspur on March 28, 2026, only to be replaced again shortly after.
A season defined by setbacks
Mendes suffered a left knee sprain on November 4, 2025, during a Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich. He managed to return to group training by November 21, a turnaround of roughly two and a half weeks.
PSG reported minor discomfort in Mendes’ right thigh following a Champions League clash against Liverpool on April 15, 2026, leading to treatment and rehab. By May 2026, a dead leg sidelined him for 10 days, with ongoing concerns about his thigh strength.
The full-back problem
The physical demands on full-backs in contemporary football are tremendous, requiring exceptional stamina and resilience. Mendes’ ability to contribute going forward while maintaining defensive discipline is precisely what made him such a valuable asset for PSG, but that value proposition depends entirely on availability.
What this means going forward
PSG is keenly aware of these challenges, often taking a cautious approach toward the health and readiness of their star players ahead of crucial fixtures, including the UEFA Champions League, where every player’s performance is critical.