Kylian Mbappe's Participation in UCL vs. Man City Uncertain Due to Knee Injury
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Madrid, March 3 (NationPress) Real Madrid has released a medical update regarding forward Kylian Mbappe, confirming that the French national player is dealing with a left knee sprain.
The announcement came five days after Mbappe was absent from the 2-1 victory against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, and only hours before Monday’s La Liga clash against Getafe, where he was also excluded from the lineup.
According to the statement from the club, "After thorough examinations by specialized French doctors, in conjunction with the oversight of Real Madrid's Medical Services, we have confirmed a diagnosis of a left knee sprain, and the conservative treatment plan is being adhered to," stated the report from Real Madrid.
The club did not specify a return date for Mbappe, indicating that it is "pending evolution."
This injury has been a concern for Mbappe for approximately three months, during which he played despite discomfort, ultimately opting to rest as his performance declined in recent games.
This season, Mbappe has netted an impressive 38 goals across 33 matches for Real Madrid and contributed eight goals for the French national team. Only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane has surpassed his tally with 60 goals for club and country in one of Europe’s leading leagues.
In La Liga, he has scored 23 goals, while adding 13 in the Champions League this season. His participation is now uncertain for the upcoming league match against Celta Vigo on Friday and the crucial two-legged Champions League tie against Manchester City.
Real Madrid is set to clash with Manchester City in the Round of 16 of the Champions League. The first leg is scheduled to be held at the Bernabéu Stadium on March 10 or 11, with the return leg taking place at the Etihad Stadium on March 17 or 18.
Should they progress, the team managed by Arbeloa will face the winner of the Atalanta-Bayern matchup in the quarterfinals, with the first leg on April 7 or 8 and the second leg on April 14 or 15. The semifinals are planned for April 28 or 29 and May 5 or 6, culminating in the final on May 30 at the Puskás Arena in Budapest.