Kylian Mbappé’s knee injury is sending shockwaves through Real Madrid and, more broadly, all of Spain. Rarely sidelined for long stretches in his career, the French forward is raising concerns due to the nature and recurrence of his physical issues.
Used to playing high-intensity matches, Mbappé is more than just a regular starter for Madrid. He is one of the cornerstones of the club’s sporting project. His prolonged absence, with crucial fixtures approaching in both the league and Europe, could weigh heavily on the team’s fortunes.
“We hope it’s not serious. For now, it’s uncertain whether he’ll be available against City. He is very important for us,” said Emilio Butragueño, who was present in Nyon at UEFA’s headquarters for the Champions League draw. His words did little to reassure fans about Mbappé’s condition.
Initially expected to be out for two weeks, the Real Madrid forward might end up missing the European Round of 16, particularly the clash against Manchester City, as well as the international break. Internally, there’s hope for a return in the first half of April, but no guarantees can be given at this stage.
What was supposed to be a two-week absence could stretch to a month and a half for Kylian Mbappé. Internally, the hope is to see him back after the international break, potentially fit for the Champions League quarter-finals… assuming, of course, that Real Madrid is still in the running.
Another worrying factor is the silence from the Madrid club since the latest revelations from the Spanish press. Marca is sounding pessimistic about the Frenchman’s health, stating this morning: “He has never been out for this long and feels disoriented.”
A player with an usually impeccable physique
A 2018 World Cup champion, Mbappé has rarely been held back by injuries throughout his career. Known for his exemplary lifestyle and preventive work, he has always shown great physical reliability. Aside from the 2019/2020 season, marked by some muscle issues (hamstring, thigh, adductors), and the following season disrupted by a calf injury during the pandemic, the forward has generally been spared.
This is precisely what makes this absence unusual and concerning. It all started with a knock to his left knee against Celta de Vigo on December 7. His absence was brief, perhaps too brief. An early return may have worsened the situation, and an MRI ultimately revealed a ligament injury requiring at least three weeks of rest.
A fierce competitor, Mbappé tried to rush his return, notably during the Supercopa de España held in Saudi Arabia. But after pushing through the pain, his body finally said enough. This time, the break will be longer, with a clear goal of avoiding any setbacks before the crucial end-of-season fixtures.
