Mbappe Injury Bombshell Sends Shockwaves Through Real Madrid Camp

Kylian Mbappé is expected to be sidelined for "a minimum of" three weeks due to a knee problem that has been troubling him for an extended period.

The French national team skipper initially experienced the issue during December's loss to Celta Vigo. He managed to complete that match despite the discomfort but was deemed unfit to come on as a substitute in a vital Champions League encounter against Manchester City just three days afterward.

Although still experiencing knee discomfort, Mbappé persevered to feature in every available minute of Madrid's last three matches of the year, netting four times to match Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary scoring record. However, the ramifications of playing through that pain could significantly impact Real Madrid in the upcoming weeks.

A Wednesday MRI examination revealed a ligament tear in Mbappé's knee, according to L'Équipe. While this injury may have caused the 26-year-old substantial discomfort, surgical intervention is not believed necessary. He is anticipated to rest for a minimum of three weeks.

Real Madrid later confirmed on the same day that Mbappé had sustained a left knee sprain, though their concise announcement did not specify a comeback timeline.

The projected recovery schedule suggests Mbappé's return sometime during late January, with Monaco's visit to Madrid for their second-to-last Champions League league phase fixture on Jan. 20 potentially arriving slightly too early. Xabi Alonso's team is set to face in-form Villarreal five days following that.

Even if Mbappé demonstrates his remarkable recovery abilities, MARCA reports that he will "certainly" be absent from January's Spanish Super Cup. The four-club tournament in Saudi Arabia sees Real face city neighbors Atlético Madrid in the semifinals on Jan. 7, followed by a possible final against Barcelona or Athletic Club.

Considering Alonso's precarious situation in the Real Madrid hot seat, triumph in this competition is viewed as essential for his uncertain employment future. Mbappé represents the final player he could afford to lose.

Alonso Faces Ultimate Challenge Without Mbappé

Whatever limited attacking threat Real Madrid has produced this campaign was predominantly driven by Mbappé. The versatile striker serves as the core of the capital club's offensive momentum, recording as many domestic league goals (18) as the entire remaining squad combined.

In his attempt to establish control over this ego-heavy locker room, Alonso deliberately rotated players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, maintaining that nobody received preferential treatment. The sole exception, however, was Mbappé. Out of Madrid's 25 matches across all tournaments this season, the French star has started 24. That City defeat, when this persistent knee problem struck, marks his only absence since gastroenteritis hospitalized him during last summer's Club World Cup.

Mbappé clearly embraces this leading role. Following his four-goal performance in a thrilling Champions League triumph over Olympiacos earlier this campaign, Madrid's key player stated: "You shouldn't claim there's excessive reliance on me when we lose. You should acknowledge I'm among those accountable for not winning. You should recognize that Kylian didn't score and he must score."

Madrid's reliance on Mbappé will face its ultimate examination in the coming weeks as this knee problem prevents him from potentially saving the day with additional goals.

Stats via FBref.