Recurring Knee Problems Plague Real Madrid Star

Kylian Mbappé’s availability for Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League clash with Manchester City is in doubt due to ongoing knee problems. The forward has already missed a significant portion of this season due to injury, surpassing his longest previous absence during the 2019-20 campaign.

This season alone, Mbappé has missed 53 days across eight separate setbacks. He recently sat out Monday’s game against Getafe after missing Wednesday’s Champions League win over Benfica.

Champions League Progress Amidst Injury Concerns

Despite Mbappé’s absence, Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last-16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica. Goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior in midweek completed the job after a 1-0 win in Lisbon in the first leg.

“Let’s hope it’s nothing serious, due to the fact that he’s remarkably important to us. At the moment, we don’t know if he’ll be available against Manchester City,”

Emilio Butragueno, Real Madrid Director

The victory sets up a highly anticipated tie against Manchester City, with the winner facing either Atalanta or Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Arbeloa’s Debut Marred by Controversy

Mbappé likewise missed Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game as Real Madrid boss, a shock 3-2 Copa Del Rey defeat to Albacete. He then played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 home triumph over Levante, scoring in the process.

The Champions League win over Benfica was also marred by an incident involving alleged racial abuse directed at Vinicius Junior by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.

FAQ

• How many days has Mbappé missed this season due to injury? He has already missed 53 days due to eight separate setbacks.
• Who will Real Madrid face in the Champions League last-16? Manchester City.
• What is the potential path to the quarter-finals for Real Madrid? They will face either Atalanta or Bayern Munich if they defeat Manchester City.