Kylian Mbappe injury raises concern for Real Madrid after France goal

Kylian Mbappe’s apparent left-knee injury has raised concern in France and at Real Madrid after he was forced off during the opening round of the UEFA Nations League against Turkey.

The France captain scored the winning goal in the 54th minute, a strike which also marked the start of Zinedine Zidane’s time in charge of the national team. However, he appeared to suffer the injury almost immediately afterwards, before an hour of the match had been played.

Mbappe received the ball on the left side of the edge of the penalty area and prepared to shoot. After making contact, he appeared to make a small involuntary jump before beginning his celebration. He then stopped suddenly, suggesting that something was wrong.

The injured area was his left leg, the one he used as his supporting leg while taking the shot. France’s medical staff quickly came on to carry out an initial assessment as Mbappe remained on the pitch.

The forward attempted to continue, but fell again when he first tried to run after returning to the field. He then asked to be substituted. His visible discomfort, including the gestures he made while covering his face, indicated the seriousness of his concern.

Desire Doue replaced Mbappe.

The incident came after Ibrahima Konate had already withdrawn from the France camp because of injury, adding to the concern surrounding the national team.

It also renewed attention on Mbappe’s previous problems with his left knee. He was forced to stop twice last season because of issues with the same knee. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the first examination was not carried out on the injured knee by the medical staff.

No further details about the extent of Mbappe’s latest injury were provided in the report.