Kylian Mbappe’s status for Real Madrid’s crucial El Clásico clash on May 10 has been thrown into serious doubt after the striker sustained a thigh injury, a setback that not only impacts Los Blancos’ fading La Liga title hopes but also raises concerns for the upcoming World Cup.
Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that their star forward was diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg.
The 27-year-old went off hurt during Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Real Betis in La Liga last Friday. Initially, the club had indicated a muscular overload, but further tests revealed the extent of the injury to their top goalscorer.
“He has been diagnosed with an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg,” Los Blancos stated in their official confirmation, cited by beIN Sports.
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La Liga title race hangs in a straw
The timing of Mbappe’s injury could be catastrophic for Real Madrid’s pursuit of the Spanish top flight title. Currently, Carlo Ancelotti’s side sits second, a significant 11 points behind leaders Barcelona. The upcoming fixtures present a precarious scenario for Madrid.
This weekend, Real Madrid faces Espanyol on Sunday, while Barcelona takes on Osasuna on Saturday. Should Madrid drop points against Espanyol and Hansi Flick’s Barcelona secure a victory against Osasuna, the Catalan giants will be crowned champions for a second successive season, rendering the El Clásico fixture less impactful for the title race itself.
World Cup worries for France
Beyond the immediate club implications, Mbappe’s injury history this season is generating considerable concern in France, with the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico set to commence on June 11.
A world champion in 2018, Mbappe is a pivotal figure for his national team, and any prolonged absence would be a major blow to their preparations.
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This is not the first time Mbappe has faced a significant spell on the sidelines. He was previously troubled by a knee issue that kept him out for two months, marking his longest absence to date.
Reflecting on that period, Mbappe expressed “frustration, anger and anxiety,” sentiments that are likely resurfacing as he faces another recovery period with major tournaments on the horizon.
The focus will now be on Mbappe’s recovery timeline, as both Real Madrid and the French national team anxiously await updates on their talisman’s return to full fitness.
Sources: www.beinsports.com
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