Kylian Mbappé’s recent injury has caused concern for Real Madrid as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. The French superstar was forced off in the 36th minute of Los Blancos’ 3-2 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League. Despite his shortened outing, Mbappé made an impact by scoring the opening goal, showcasing the form that has seen him tally 12 goals and 2 assists in 22 appearances since joining Madrid on a free transfer this summer.
Real Madrid’s Official Statement
Real Madrid has confirmed the nature of Mbappé’s injury through an official statement, which reads:
“After the tests carried out today, our player Kylian Mbappé by the Real Madrid Medical Services has been diagnosed with an injury to the thigh of his left leg. Pending evaluation.”
This cautious update indicates that further assessments will determine the extent of the injury and the timeline for Mbappé’s return.
Ancelotti’s Reaction
Following the Atalanta match, manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Mbappé’s early contributions but admitted the team felt his absence after the injury:
“Mbappé played well at the start and scored a great goal. The key was the mobility up front… Mbappé couldn’t give us more and Rodrygo came on for him, but he wasn’t 100%. With Mbappé at 100%, we could have done much better.”
Ancelotti’s comments highlight the pivotal role Mbappé plays in Madrid’s attacking dynamics, combining with stars like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to create a versatile and dangerous front line.
Upcoming Challenges for Real Madrid
Real Madrid will host Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga this weekend as they look to maintain their domestic dominance. The team will also face RB Salzburg in their next UEFA Champions League group-stage match in 2024. The absence of Mbappé, depending on the duration of his recovery, could impact their ability to sustain momentum in both competitions.
Mbappé’s Impact Since Joining Madrid
Since his highly anticipated move from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé has delivered strong performances for Real Madrid. His 12 goals in 22 matches underscore his importance to the squad. However, the physical demands of his role and the intensity of Madrid’s packed schedule make managing his fitness a priority for Ancelotti and his medical staff.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid will hope for positive news regarding Mbappé’s injury as they navigate the remainder of the season. The club’s depth, including players like Rodrygo and Joselu, offers some reassurance, but losing a player of Mbappé’s caliber would undoubtedly be a significant blow.