In recent years, one of the major challenges Real Madrid have faced is how to deal with injuries to key players. This season isn’t any different, with a number of stars already on the dreaded injury list and some still there.
Kylian Mbappe is one of the players on the sidelines and has recently had issues with his knee. Due to this injury, he missed two of the last three matches for Madrid.
Moreover, in the only one he played, the Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona, the French centre forward came off the bench in the 76th minute, when Madrid were already trailing 3-2, and a change was desperately needed. Had he been fit and started that final, the story might have been different altogether, with the possibility of Alonso still holding onto his managerial position.
Anyway, there’s no point in dwelling on ifs and buts at this moment. Madrid will have to fix things quickly to get back to winning ways, now that they are out of the Copa del Rey as well. However, Los Blancos will have to avoid making key mistakes regarding Mbappe.
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe problem
Although Mbappe would not fully recover in time to play against Levante, Real Madrid’s new caretaker manager, Alvaro Arbeloa, is planning to at least have him in the squad, according to Football Espana. He stated ahead of the game:
"He’s better and he’ll be in the squad"
Mbappe has been in fine form for Real Madrid this season. The Frenchman has already scored 29 goals along with five assists in 25 matches across all competitions.
So, it’s needless to point out his importance for Los Blancos. That said, on more than one occasion, Madrid have rushed players back onto the field too soon after injury. Therefore, Arbeloa might need to reconsider his decision to keep Mbappe in the squad.
That is because under no circumstances should the Spanish coach consider putting Mbappe on the field, as it could jeopardise his recovery and increase the likelihood of further injuries.
Gonzalo Garcia had been covering the centre-forward role in the absence of Mbappe. Rodrygo is another option who could play in that position if the coach wants to try something new.
Real Madrid meet Levante on Saturday, and fans expect nothing but a win after a disastrous week. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois, who were absent against Albacete, are likely to return to the starting XI. Now coming back to Mbappe, it’s expected that Los Blancos will prioritise his long-term fitness over any short-term gain.