In Bergamo, Kylian Mbappé was in top form, but had to be substituted quite quickly. A cause for concern for Real Madrid?
The Whites were cagey about the injury even a few days after the 3-2 away win at Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League. The Spanish record champions announced on Thursday that Mbappé had an “injury to his left thigh”. Real did not provide any further details about the exact diagnosis or the expected length of time he would be out for.
Mbappé could have scored the opening goal as early as the second minute, but was stopped by the Lombard keeper Marco Carnesecchi. A few minutes later, the Frenchman did better and rewarded Real and his own strong performance with the very worthy 1-0. It was his 50th goal in 79 Champions League games.
After that, the 25-year-old didn’t do too much until the 35th minute. In that 35th minute, however, Mbappé didn’t stand out for his playing class. As the camera panned towards the halfway line, the center forward was sitting on the turf, grimacing. After a few moments, the signal was given to the reserve bench: he can’t continue.
Known problem area in Mbappé
Accompanied by Real’s team doctors, Mbappé left the pitch, quickly put on a winter jacket and disappeared into the catacombs of the Gewiss Stadium. The fact that the French world champion had previously touched his left thigh does not bode well for the royals. Mbappé had already been sidelined with complaints about his left thigh at the end of September.
After the game, Mbappé was captured by some cameras wrapped up warmly and with his hood pulled over his head. “It doesn’t look too bad, but he couldn’t sprint. He was in a bit of pain and that’s why we took him off,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said shortly after the game on Tuesday.
It remains to be seen whether the striker will be able to play again on Saturday in the league against Rayo Vallecano.