Kylian Mbappe Injury Rocks Real Madrid as Star Forward Faces Devastating Setback
Real Madrid's star forward Kylian Mbappé is expected to be sidelined for the Champions League knockout phase playoff second leg against Benfica due to an injury concern.
The French international has been dealing with a persistent knee problem since December, continuing to play despite not being at full fitness because of the crucial nature of Los Blancos' recent matches, including the Spanish Super Cup final and the opening leg versus Benfica.
However, the injury appears to have worsened for Mbappé, who was unable to finish Tuesday's training session. L'Équipe indicates the striker had medical examinations on his knee and is now confirmed to miss Wednesday night's match at the Bernabéu.
Mbappé has been enduring discomfort he has "never felt before in his professional career" and must stop playing or risk making the situation worse, which could affect both Real Madrid's championship ambitions and France's World Cup prospects.
When Will Mbappé Return From His Knee Injury?
When Will Mbappé Return From His Knee Injury?
Real Madrid have not yet officially announced the France star's condition, but L'Équipe suggests Mbappé will require a minimum of 10 days recovery before returning to play. Consequently, he is anticipated to be absent for matches against Benfica, Getafe and Celta Vigo.
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Los Blancos. Their Champions League advancement is at stake, along with their La Liga title chances. Additional points dropped against Getafe and/or Celta Vigo could virtually end the club's chances of claiming the Spanish title from Barcelona, who currently lead by a single point.
However, if Mbappé's absence is truly limited to under two weeks, he would return in time to participate in the Champions League round of 16, assuming Real Madrid advances past Benfica in the knockout playoffs.
Potential Mbappé Replacements at Real Madrid
Potential Mbappé Replacements at Real Madrid
Finding a substitute for Mbappé at Real Madrid is a nearly impossible challenge. The 27-year-old tops the squad with 38 goals in all competitions this season. Vinicius Junior, the team's second-highest scorer, has netted 12 times.
Under normal circumstances, Rodrygo would be the clear choice to partner with his Brazilian teammate in attack, but he will serve a suspension for the second leg following his red card in the team's last league phase fixture.
Álvaro Arbeloa's most viable alternative is to utilize Gonzalo García. The Spanish player is a natural striker, possessing sharp finishing ability and an instinct for positioning himself perfectly to score. Following his emergence at last summer's Club World Cup, he has scored 10 goals while serving as Mbappé's understudy.
However, none of those strikes have occurred in the Champions League. Gonzalo has yet to score in Europe's top club tournament. The 21-year-old will face significant pressure to break his European drought on Wednesday in a match that could determine Real Madrid's entire campaign.