Real Madrid have been dealt a significant setback with confirmation that Kylian Mbappé has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left knee, leaving the club anxiously monitoring the condition of their leading scorer.
The France forward of Cameroon descent, is now expected to miss key fixtures in the coming days, including the La Liga clash with Real Betis and the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid in Riyadh.
In a brief statement, Real Madrid said tests carried out by the club’s medical staff confirmed the injury, adding that Mbappé’s “progress will be monitored” closely. Sources suggest it is increasingly likely the 27-year-old will sit out both matches, a major concern for head coach Xabi Alonso.
Mbappé had continued to play without initially realising the seriousness of the problem, a decision that may have worsened the injury. Some reports in Spain and France have raised questions about whether the issue should have been identified earlier by the medical team.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has been central to Madrid’s season, scoring an impressive 29 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. His influence has been decisive as Los Blancos attempt to keep pace with Barcelona in an increasingly tight title race.
With teenage sensation Endrick currently on loan at Lyon, the responsibility may now fall on academy forward Gonzalo García to step up in Mbappé’s absence. Alonso faces a delicate balancing act as he looks to reshuffle his attacking options without disrupting momentum.
Reports indicate that a return against Villarreal on 25 January is being targeted, but no risks will be taken with a player whose journey shaped by European brilliance and African heritage, has made him one of the most recognisable figures in world football.
For Real Madrid, the hope is that Mbappé’s recovery is swift. Without their talisman, even a short absence could prove costly at a decisive stage of the season.
