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Real Madrid face a nervous wait over Kylian Mbappe’s fitness after the superstar striker limped out of Friday’s 1-1 draw against Real Betis.
While initial tests have offered a ray of hope to the Bernabeu faithful, the Frenchman remains a major doubt for the decisive games of the season and this summer’s World Cup.
Positive signs of the initial examination
Mbappé and Real Madrid have received some tentatively positive news following the striker’s retirement during his historic 100th game for the club.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star caused a stir at the Bernabeu when he requested a substitution in the final minutes of the clash against Real Betis, sparking immediate fears over his availability for the climax of the season.
However, early medical assessments suggest that the damage may not be as severe as initially feared.
Kylian Mbappé visited the clinic on Sunday morning to have an ultrasound on his left leg. Although the initial evaluation was “good,” the definitive diagnosis will not come until after a second MRI check on Monday, according to DAZN Sergio Quirante.
Concerns about the Classic and the World Cup persist
Despite the positive result of the analysis, the Frenchman is not at all safe.
Real Madrid are practically out of the title race, 11 points behind Barcelona with just five games left, but the timing of the injury is particularly cruel with the May 10 Clasico just around the corner.
Losing his talisman in such a high-profile match would be a huge blow for coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
The concern extends far beyond the Spanish capital, where French fans are holding their breath ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Mbappé, who is in sensational form with 41 goals this season, is the lynchpin of Didier Deschamps’ team. Any prolonged absence would be catastrophic for Les Bleus as they prepare to face Senegal in their first group match on June 16.
Arbeloa waiting for medical evolution
Speaking after the frustrating 1-1 draw against Betis, in which Madrid conceded a 94th-minute equalizer to Héctor Bellerín, Arbeloa was unable to provide a definitive timetable for his star’s return. The coach highlighted 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 will see how it develops in the coming days.” The player reportedly walked past the dugout and headed straight to the locker room.
Madrid’s growing injury list
The possible loss of Mbappé adds to a growing list of headaches for the Madrid hierarchy. With Rodrygo already ruled out for the World Cup due to a serious knee injury, the Bernabéu team sees its attacking options reduced at a critical moment.
While Monday’s MRI will give the final verdict, it is very likely that Mbappé will rest for the next 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 role in the final weeks of the campaign without jeopardizing his chances of leading France on the world stage this summer.
