Kylian Mbappé’s Champions League night ended in pain and uncertainty—not only due to Real Madrid’s elimination at the hands of Arsenal but also because of a worrying injury that now puts his presence in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in doubt.
The Injury That Stopped Madrid’s Star
With around 20 minutes left on the clock at the Bernabéu, Mbappé went down clutching his ankle in visible discomfort. He had twisted his right ankle, and his grimace spoke volumes. Medical staff rushed to his aid, and although he managed to walk off without assistance, the scare was significant.
Initial evaluations have confirmed that the Frenchman is dealing with a mild ankle sprain. While not considered a serious injury, it’s enough to put his availability for the Copa Clásico on April 26 at La Cartuja in serious doubt.
Upcoming Tests and Recovery Timeline
Mbappé will undergo further medical tests on Friday, which will provide a clearer picture of his recovery timeline. The club is not taking any risks, especially with such a crucial final ahead. The plan is to monitor his progress daily, and if all goes well, there’s hope he might be fit in time.
As a side note, Mbappé won’t feature in this weekend’s league game against Athletic Club due to suspension after his red card. That gives him a small window of recovery before potentially getting some minutes in Getafe midweek—if deemed fit.
Criticism After Arsenal Exit
While Mbappé’s Champions League campaign had its highs—most notably his hat-trick against Manchester City in the previous round—his performances against Arsenal left much to be desired. He struggled to influence the game in both legs, and some Madrid fans even whistled as he left the pitch injured.
It’s a wake-up call for the Frenchman. The Bernabéu is as demanding as it is passionate, and even the biggest stars—from Zidane to Benzema—have felt the heat. The question now is whether Mbappé can rise to the challenge and turn the critics into believers, just like his predecessors.
Madrid Holds Its Breath
Real Madrid still has major objectives ahead: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup. But losing Mbappé for the final against eternal rivals Barcelona would be a huge blow—both for Ancelotti’s strategy and the team’s morale.
For now, all eyes are on Friday’s medical report. The entire football world is waiting to see if Kylian Mbappé will be fit enough to light up El Clásico in Seville.
