Real Madrid's injury crisis has taken another costly turn, with star left-back Ferland Mendy suffering his fifth injury setback of the season—and this one could keep him sidelined for up to five months. For a club chasing consistency, losing a player who brings defensive balance and stability is a serious blow.

The financial impact is equally staggering. According to reports from Defensa Central, Mendy's annual salary of €10.4 million gross (€5.2 million net) means every minute he plays costs Real Madrid over €23,000. With his playing time severely limited this season, those numbers have piled up fast.

Mendy's campaign has been a nightmare from the start. He didn't make his first appearance until November against Olympiacos—only to get injured again in that same match. January was even worse: he managed just one minute against Real Betis and 21 minutes against Atletico Madrid before being sidelined again. It wasn't until March that he finally saw consistent minutes.

Now, with surgery potentially required, Mendy could be out until December, missing a significant chunk of next season as well. His contract runs until 2027, so he's expected to stay at the club, but there are growing signs that Real Madrid may not offer an extension beyond that point.

For a defender once considered one of the most reliable in the squad, this injury nightmare is proving expensive in more ways than one.