Real Madrid's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, has suffered a sprain in his left knee, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The injury raises concerns as Real Madrid heads into the new year and important upcoming matches.
Real Madrid announced the injury after conducting tests by the Real Madrid Medical Services. While the club statement confirmed the sprain, it did not specify the exact duration of Mbappe's absence. However, reports suggest that the Frenchman could be sidelined for around three weeks.
According to L'Equipe, Mbappe had been experiencing discomfort in his knee for several weeks, initially dismissing it as a minor issue. An MRI scan revealed a ligament lesion, making it unsustainable for him to continue playing through the pain. Mbappe reportedly felt increasingly restricted in his acceleration during recent matches, prompting the medical examination.
Mbappe's absence will be a significant blow to Real Madrid. The 27-year-old has been a central figure in the team's attack, featuring in almost every fixture since the start of the season. He currently leads LaLiga in scoring with 18 goals and boasts the most goal involvements (22) in the competition.
Real Madrid will have to adjust their attacking strategy in Mbappe's absence. The team returns to action after the winter break against Real Betis on January 4. Mbappe is expected to miss this match. He will also likely miss the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Atletico Madrid. There are also concerns he could miss the Champions League match against his former side, Monaco, on January 20.
Despite the setback for Real Madrid, the injury break could benefit the French national team. It offers Mbappe an opportunity to fully recover and regain his sharpness before upcoming international matches.
According to AS, Mbappe's goal is to return in time for the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia in a little over a week, even though it seems difficult. Other sources in Spain suggest he is ruled out for the Real Betis match and is targeting a comeback for the Super Cup.
The situation leaves open questions about how Real Madrid will perform without Mbappe and how quickly he can return to peak condition. The team's squad depth will be tested as they navigate a demanding run of fixtures.
