Getty Images SportReal Madrid set to welcome back injured star from six-month layoff but he faces tough competition for spot in Xabi Alonso's starting XI
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
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AFPFirst training under boss Xabi Alonso
Mendy’s upcoming return will mark his first involvement under new head coach Alonso and having not featured in any of Alonso’s sessions so far, the Frenchman will now have to prove his fitness and tactical suitability in a system that has evolved since his absence.
The report confirmed that Mendy will “return to partial training this week,” while club sources see his comeback as a timely reinforcement amid a demanding October schedule. Alonso is expected to take a cautious approach, gradually increasing the defender’s minutes before he is fully match-ready.
GettyImagesMendy's tough competition at Los Blancos
Mendy’s return comes at a time when Madrid’s left-back department is more crowded than ever. With Carreras, who joined from Benfica for €50 million (£42m/$57m) this summer, has established himself as the clear first-choice, playing more than 800 minutes already this season. Meanwhile, academy graduate Fran Garcia, who impressed in the Club World Cup, has seen his playing time reduced to just 202 minutes so far.
With Mendy’s experience and defensive reliability, Alonso could soon face a selection dilemma, balancing the form of Carreras with the Frenchman’s defensive pedigree. However, Mendy is expected to be eased back as a rotational option before challenging for a regular starting berth.
Madrid will continue to manage Mendy’s recovery carefully, but it may still take several weeks before he is ready to return to competitive action. His availability would be a welcome boost for Alonso, who is preparing his side for a demanding run of fixtures that includes a Clasico showdown against Barca.
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