NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Real Madrid face a nervous wait over Kylian Mbappé’s fitness after the superstar forward limped out of Friday’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis.
While the initial tests have provided a glimmer of hope for the Bernabéu faithful, the Frenchman remains a major doubt for the season’s decisive games and this summer’s World Cup.
Positive signs from initial scan
Mbappe and Real Madrid have received some preliminary positive news following the striker’s withdrawal during his landmark 100th appearance for the club.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star sent shockwaves through the Bernabéu when he requested a substitution in the closing stages of the clash against Real Betis, sparking immediate fears over his availability for the season’s climax.
But early medical assessments suggest the damage may not be as serious as first feared.
Kylian Mbappe visited the clinic on Sunday morning to have an ultrasound on his left leg. Although the initial assessment was “good”, a final diagnosis will only come after a second check via MRI on Monday per DAZNs Sergio Quirante.
Clásico and World Cup concerns remain
Despite the positive result from the scan, the Frenchman is by no means ready.
Real Madrid are virtually out of the title race, trailing Barcelona by 11 points with just five games remaining, but the timing of the injury is particularly cruel with El Clásico on May 10 just around the corner.
Losing their talisman for such a high-profile game would be a bitter blow for manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
The concern extends far beyond the Spanish capital, where France fans are holding their breath ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Mbappé, who has been in sensational form with 41 goals this term, is the focal point of Didier Deschamps’ side. Any prolonged absence would be disastrous for Les Bleus as they prepare to face Senegal in their opening group game on June 16.
Arbeloa awaits medical developments
After the frustrating 1-1 draw against Betis, in which Madrid conceded a 94th-minute equalizer to Hector Bellerin, Arbeloa was unable to give a definitive timeline for his star man’s return. The manager noted that the decision to replace Mbappé was a reactive decision based on the player’s physical sensations on the pitch.
“I have no idea [what’s wrong with Mbappé],” Arbeloa told reporters. “He felt some discomfort. We’ll see how he develops over the next few days.” The player reportedly walked past the dugout and straight to the locker room.
Madrid’s growing injury list
The potential loss of Mbappé adds to a growing list of headaches for the Madrid hierarchy. With Rodrygo already ruled out of the World Cup with a serious knee injury, the Bernabeu outfit see their attacking options depleted at a critical time.
While the MRI on Monday will give the final verdict, it is highly likely that Mbappé will be rested for the upcoming match against Espanyol on May 3.
The club’s medical staff will be working around the clock to ensure he can at least play some part in the final weeks of the campaign without jeopardizing his chances of leading France on the world stage this summer.
