Nuno Mendes
PSG
Sent off Sunday
Mendes was shown a red card in the 87th minute of Sunday's Super Cup final against Lens.
Analysis: Mendes will have to head into the 2026/27 campaign on the sidelines, with the defender given a red card in the Super Cup final after appearing from the bench. This is likely to shake up things for the season opener against Rennes on Aug. 23, as he is their expected starter. The good news is they did bring in Lucas Digne this offseason, a starter at Aston Villa the past few campaigns, a very respectable replacement at left-back moving forward.
Plays 75 minutes in Super Cup
Mendes played 75 minutes in Wednesday's Super Cup final 2-1 win over Aston Villa before being replaced due to cramps.
Analysis: Mendes finished last season with four goals and five assists across 20 Ligue 1 appearances, and closed out the World Cup with five starts for Portugal, contributing one goal, 11 chances created, 19 crosses and nine tackles. His return to full match action is an encouraging sign after a long tournament run, though he could see less time at left back heading into 2026/27 with Lucas Digne now in the mix for playing time at the position.
Comes off bench in practice match
Mendes (strain) completed his recovery and was involved in the final half hour of the weekend's game versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Mendes is one of the world's best full-backs, so his return could make a huge difference for a PSG side that was using youngster Axel Koukaba in that position during the last offseason contest. The Portuguese missed a great part of the pre-season friendlies following a long World Cup campaign where he made five starts, scoring one goal and adding 11 chances created, 19 crosses and nine tackles. In addition to his defensive duel-winning ability, corner and direct free kick duties should grant him regular fantasy value throughout the upcoming campaign.
Makes squad for friendly
Mendes (strain) is in PSG's squad for Saturday's friendly against Manchester United, according to the club.
Analysis: Mendes had returned to training earlier this week following the strain that forced him off during the World Cup, and his inclusion in the matchday squad now confirms his recovery is progressing well. He finished last season with four goals and five assists across 20 appearances and added an assist in five World Cup matches for Portugal, and his return positions him to continue building fitness as an undisputed starter on the left flank heading into the new 2026/27 Ligue 1 season.
Back in training with PSG
Mendes (strain) returned to training Monday at PSG's Campus, according to Paris Team.
Analysis: Mendes had been forced off during the World Cup and spent the offseason recovering before rejoining the squad for preseason. The left-back finished last season with four goals and five assists across 20 appearances while also recording one assist in five World Cup matches for Portugal. An undisputed starter on the left flank, Mendes offers elite attacking production from defense and is also capable of operating further forward when needed. He is expected to continue building up his fitness as the new season approaches.
Exits with injury
Mendes was forced off the field in the 56th minute of Monday's match against Spain due to an apparent muscle injury
Analysis: Mendes would go sliding into the box for a ball just after halftime in what looked to be normal action, but would stay on the ground and eventually leave the field, signaling he suffered a muscle injury. This is a major loss for the team, as if it were a muscle injury and anything more than a knock, his tournament could very well be over, that is, if Portugal advances. Nelson Semedo would come on in his place, and is a viable replacement moving forward, along with Diogo Dalot. However, nothing will be able to replace the speed and two-way play of Mendes, especially against the elusive Lamine Yamal.
Notches six crosses
Mendes had one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (four accurate) and four corners in Thursday's 2-1 victory against Croatia.
Analysis: Mendes was all over the field for Portugal as he held down the left flank. He would not only have a decent day in the defense with his two tackles and three clearances, but would excel in the attack with a shot, four chances created and six crosses. The full-back continues to be a catalyst of energy for the Portugal squad, although he remains with his one goal contribution in four appearances.
Delivers from left-back
Mendes generated one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Colombia.
Analysis: Mendes registered three chances created and one cross across his 89 minutes in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Colombia, consistently advancing from left-back to support Portugal's attacking transitions and delivering the most creative output of any Portuguese defender throughout the match. The PSG left-back combined his forward runs with the defensive discipline required to contain Colombia's right channel, and his three chances created were the most of any defender on the pitch from either side. His ability to arrive into dangerous areas from deep and deliver quality balls into the box make him one of the most important players in Portugal's system heading into the Croatia fixture.
Could be managed physically
Mendes could be managed physically and start on the bench for Tuesday's clash against Uzbekistan, according to SIC Noticias.
Analysis: Mendes struggled to find his usual rhythm in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against DR Congo, recording three crosses without success despite a few promising moments in the final third. Coach Roberto Martinez could opt to manage physically the PSG winger as part of a squad rotation, with Portugal managing his workload ahead of the rest of the tournament. If that is the case, Joao Cancelo could start on the left side of the back line and Diogo Dalot start on the right.
Difficult outing in draw
Mendes recorded three crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus DR Congo.
Analysis: Mendes had a difficult outing in Wednesday's 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo, despite a few attacking situations, including a 17th minute run into the area that forced a close-range stop before Bruno Fernandes missed the rebound. He stayed involved in Portugal's left-sided attacks and sent a low cross into danger early in the second half, but the team struggled to turn possession into clear finishing chances. Mendes couldn't bring his usual quality shown with PSG and ended the game with three crosses (none accurate) and one tackle.
Planned sub after 30 minutes
Mendes was taken off after 30 minutes of play in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Nigeria in a friendly, according to manager Roberto Martinez, per AS Quinas. "Nuno? There's no injury. He was only planned to play 30 minutes."
Analysis: Mendes was taken off after only 30 minutes of play Wednesday after only entering as a substitute, raising some concerns about his health. However, after a post-match press conference, it has been deemed that this was a planned substitute, and he is fit, a major relief for Portuguese fans. This comes amid speculation that he will be an engine of the Portugal team from his left-back spot, so his absence would be a major loss. At this point, it appears he is still cleared to make the opener, facing DR Congo on June 17.
Fit to play in UCL final
Mendes (thigh) has passed a fitness test Friday and will be available for Saturday's UCL final against Arsenal, according to Sky Sports.
Analysis: The star left-back had been limited to individual work in the final weeks of the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season, but he returned to full training earlier this week. Thus, it's not surprising to see him available for the biggest match of the season. Mendes should have his hands full Saturday while dealing with Bukayo Saka in what should be one of the most intriguing individual matchups in the UCL final.
Back available for UCL final
Mendes (thigh) returned to full training Tuesday and will be an option for Saturday's Champions League final against Arsenal, the club posted.
Analysis: Mendes had been limited to individual work down the stretch of the league campaign after a right thigh issue sidelined him for three straight matches, but his return to full team training is a major lift for PSG ahead of the biggest game on their calendar. The Portuguese left-back gives coach Luis Enrique his first-choice option back on the left side for the Budapest showdown, with the club clearly managing his recovery carefully to have him at peak level against Arsenal. Mendes will be expected to make a solid impact against the Gunners before turning his focus to the World Cup, where he should slot in as a starter along Portugal's back line.
Trains individually
Mendes (thigh) has returned to individual training but remains unavailable for Sunday's season finale against Paris FC, according to the club.
Analysis: Mendes has now missed three consecutive fixtures with a right thigh discomfort, and while his return to individual sessions is an encouraging step forward in his rehabilitation, he has not yet progressed to collective training and will not feature against Paris FC. Lucas Hernandez is expected to continue at left-back, with PSG keeping their most important players protected ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30.
Not available yet
Mendes continues to receive treatment for his right thigh discomfort and will miss Wednesday's clash against Lens, according to the club.
Analysis: Mendes had already been ruled out of Sunday's clash against Brest as a precaution, and his continued treatment confirms he is not yet ready to return to action. Lucas Hernandez is expected to continue at left-back in his absence. The Portuguese will hope to recover ahead of Sunday's season finale derby against Paris FC, although PSG are managing their squad carefully with the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30 firmly in mind as the club's absolute priority.
Won't face Brest
Mendes is dealing with right thigh discomfort and will receive treatment over the coming days, ruling him out of Sunday's clash against Brest as a precaution, according to the club.
Analysis: Mendes has been managing his fitness carefully throughout the final stretch of the season and the club is taking no risks with the Portuguese left-back ahead of the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30. Lucas Hernandez is expected to start at left-back in his absence, with PSG clearly prioritizing having Mendes fully available for the showpiece European finale rather than risking any aggravation in a league fixture with nothing significant at stake.
Returns to bench
Mendes (thigh) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Angers.
Analysis: Mendes has been included in the squad after being sidelined since suffering a thigh issue during the Champions League win over Liverpool, with the coaching staff set to ease him back via the bench in line with the initial expectation surrounding his return. The Portuguese full-back's availability could not come at a better time for PSG, who are gearing up for a packed run-in that includes Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich, and some minutes off the bench against Angers should serve as the ideal tune-up ahead of that massive showdown. Lucas Hernandez is set to retain the left-back spot in the meantime as Mendes works his way back to full fitness.
Back fit for Angers clash
Mendes recovered from his thigh issue and is available for Saturday's clash against Angers, the club announced.
Analysis: Mendes has been out since suffering a thigh issue during the Champions League win over Liverpool, with Lucas Hernandez stepping in at left-back while he was sidelined. His return couldn't come at a better time for PSG as they gear up for a packed run-in, especially with Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich looming large. The Portuguese full-back is unlikely to be thrown straight into the starting XI, but getting some minutes against Angers should be the ideal tune-up ahead of that massive showdown.
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