Real Madrid are still coming to terms with the fallout of their 0-1 home defeat to Getafe at the Santiago Bernabéu on Monday. The loss has left the club in a far weaker position in the La Liga title race, adding further chaos to what has already been a turbulent season. One major talking point remains the fitness of Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé’s injury has been shrouded in uncertainty, with doubts lingering despite Real Madrid’s official announcement classifying it as a left knee sprain. He was already absent for the Getafe defeat. Real Madrid estimate a recovery period of around three weeks, and are hopeful he can feature in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Manchester City.
However, Mbappé’s camp disagrees with this timeline. Journalists revealed on air that the player’s left posterior cruciate ligament is in a "critical condition".Reporter: What is the true extent of Mbappé’s injury, and why is his camp refusing to rush his return?"We call it a sprain because that’s what the official statement says, but this is actually a fairly serious injury.There are only 100 days left until the World Cup – Mbappé cannot waste a single day. These 100 days are crucial for him; he needs full time to recover."
For this reason, Mbappé’s camp does not agree with Real Madrid’s proposed return schedule. There is risk involved in playing any match, and the player himself will not take that risk. With the World Cup fast approaching, a serious knee injury would deprive France of their key on-field leader.
The result of the first leg against Manchester City could influence Mbappé’s decision.Reporter: Will the first-leg result affect whether Mbappé plays against Man City?"If Real Madrid lose the first leg 0-3, he will not gamble his knee to try and turn the tie around."His camp stressed that full recovery is the absolute priority.
“We refer to it as a sprain because that’s the official wording. But given the recovery timeline and the level of concern from Mbappé himself, it makes me suspicious.”
