Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks with an injury, a setback that casts a shadow over the club’s Champions League ambitions. The injury occurred during Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at Osasuna last week, where Mbappé played the full 90 minutes.
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning for Real Madrid as they prepare for a challenging run of fixtures, including a Champions League tie against Manchester City. The first leg of that match is scheduled for March 11th at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the return leg in Manchester six days later, according to reports.
Real Madrid recently advanced to the Champions League last 16 after defeating Benfica 3-1 on aggregate, winning the second leg 2-1 midweek. Though, Mbappé did not feature in that match, and his absence is felt as the team faces a challenging opponent in Manchester City, a team they have faced in several dramatic Champions League encounters in recent years.
Beyond the Champions League, Mbappé is likely to miss La Liga matches against Getafe, Celta Vigo, and Elche. A potential appearance in the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid on March 22nd has not been ruled out, but This proves considered unlikely that he would be thrown into such a high-intensity match immediately upon his return.
Depending on his recovery, Mbappé might be available for some minutes towards the conclude of the match against Atletico, or potentially be fully fit for a match against Mallorca after the international break. Real Madrid could be contesting the first leg of a potential Champions League quarterfinal showdown with Atalanta or Bayern Munich on April 7th or 8th, depending on his recovery.
In Mbappé’s absence, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to lead the attack, potentially opening up opportunities for players like Franco Mastantuono on the right wing. Real Madrid director, speaking to Goal.com, admitted the club fears Mbappé will miss the Champions League tie against Manchester City.
