PSG defender Nuno Mendes expected back from injury through January

PSG defender and Portugal international Nuno Mendes is expected to make his comeback from injury at the end of January, according to the latest reports published by French media outlets.

Mendes has been out since last April, following an injury he sustained during the 2022 World Cup with Portugal that has been impacting his availability for the whole calendar year with the player suffering constant setbacks.

Mendes underwent surgery in Finland last September with PSG's initial medical report pointing toward a four-month recovery timeline. It was starting to look like Mendes wouldn't be able to return to the pitch until February at the earliest.

The latest information leaked is painting a much more promising picture as Nuno Mendes and PSG seem to be targeting the end of January for his eventual comeback, as first reported by L'Equipe.

Sources close to the 21-year-old player have expressed optimism about his progress and expect a comeback earlier than initially expected. One source told L'Equipe, "He is progressing well. It is within the time set by the initial planning."

Although it might not have anything to do with Nuno Mendes' recovery, it's worth noting how PSG have decided not to sign another left-back next month, instead adding only a center-back in Brazilian wunderkind Lucas Beraldo.

Mendes' abilities and talent are definitely out of the question, mind you, as he's one of the best players in PSG's squad. That said, and given his injury woes during the past 12 months, it's rather encouraging and promising to see PSG banking on him making a full recovery without having to sign any other player for depth and instead trusting the Portugal international.

The defender resumed training around two weeks ago and he should be ready to go against Real Sociedad in the Champions League round of 16 when the first leg is played in February. He should have a bit of time and a couple of games to ramp up his fitness in the league before appearing on the European stage.