Kylian Mbappe Misses Real Madrid Training as Manchester City Clash Hangs in Balance

Real Madrid faces a potential crisis ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter with Manchester City as star striker Kylian Mbappe missed training on Tuesday, casting serious doubt over his availability for Wednesday’s pivotal clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar’s absence from the squad’s training session has sent shockwaves through the club, compounding an already mounting injury crisis that threatens to derail their season at a critical juncture.

Mbappe did not join his teammates on the pitch at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Tuesday morning, adding his name to an injury list that already features eight first-team players. Club sources confirmed to media outlets that the 26-year-old forward is suffering from muscle discomfort in his left leg, in addition to the broken finger he sustained during Sunday’s shocking 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo in La Liga.

Dual Injury Concerns for Real Madrid’s Talisman

Kylian Mbappe’s fitness concerns are twofold, creating a complex situation for Real Madrid medical staff and coach Xabi Alonso as they prepare for one of the season’s defining matches. The broken finger on his left hand, initially believed to be a manageable issue that could be played through with protective strapping, has now been joined by more concerning muscle discomfort that prevented him from participating in Tuesday’s training session.

Spanish publication Marca has declared Mbappe a “serious doubt” for the Champions League clash, with the muscle problem in his left leg emerging as the primary concern. While the fractured finger was not expected to sideline the French international, the muscular issue represents a more significant obstacle to his participation. Generally, players who cannot train the day before a match are either left out of the squad entirely or relegated to the bench at most—a worrying precedent for Real Madrid’s prospects against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Club sources told ESPN that Mbappe would undergo tests on Tuesday to determine the extent of the muscle problem and his availability for Wednesday’s fixture. His presence for the match has not been completely ruled out but will ultimately depend on how Mbappe feels before kickoff and whether the medical staff deems it safe for him to feature against one of Europe’s elite teams.

The timing of Mbappe’s injury concerns could not be worse for Real Madrid. The French striker has been the club’s standout performer this season, scoring 25 goals across La Liga and Champions League competitions while adding four assists. Remarkably, Mbappe has contributed more than half of Real Madrid’s total goal tally this season, underscoring just how heavily the team has relied on his attacking output during what has been a challenging campaign.

Real Madrid’s Mounting Injury Crisis

Kylian Mbappe’s potential absence would leave Real Madrid facing Manchester City with as many as eight players unavailable for selection—a situation that represents a nightmare scenario for Xabi Alonso. The injury list includes several key defensive players whose absences have already significantly weakened the team’s structure and stability at the back.

Eder Militao, who suffered a biceps femoris tear in his left leg with proximal tendon involvement against Celta Vigo, is ruled out for approximately three to four months. His absence removes one of Real Madrid’s most dependable center-backs at precisely the moment when defensive solidity is most needed. Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to struggle with a thigh injury, while Dani Carvajal remains sidelined as he works his way back from an ACL tear that has kept him out since earlier in the season.

Ferland Mendy’s hamstring problem keeps him unavailable, while Dean Huijsen has been absent for the past two weeks with knee pain. Eduardo Camavinga, who also missed Tuesday’s training session alongside Mbappe, is dealing with an ankle sprain that forced him out of the Celta Vigo match. The French midfielder’s absence compounds Real Madrid’s problems in the middle of the park, where they need energy and ball-winning ability against Manchester City’s technically gifted midfield.

David Alaba continues his recovery from ACL surgery, though his return timeline extends well beyond the Manchester City fixture. The accumulation of defensive injuries has forced Real Madrid to operate with a severely depleted backline throughout recent matches, contributing to the vulnerability that Celta Vigo exploited so effectively on Sunday.

Pressure Intensifies on Xabi Alonso

The potential absence of Kylian Mbappe arrives at a moment when Xabi Alonso’s position as Real Madrid coach faces intense scrutiny. Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu marked Real Madrid’s worst home performance of the season, exposing structural weaknesses and a worrying drop in intensity across the squad. The loss represented just one win in Real Madrid’s last five La Liga matches, a dismal run that has raised serious questions about the team’s form and Alonso’s tactical approach.

Spanish media reports suggest that a defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday could lead to Alonso’s dismissal, placing enormous pressure on the former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder to deliver a result in the Champions League. The early optimism that accompanied Alonso’s appointment has faded, replaced by doubts over squad cohesion, player commitment, and the team’s ability to respond under pressure. While Alonso’s position is being questioned externally, the players themselves are not escaping criticism for their recent performances.

The Celta Vigo defeat has been described by many as one of the most concerning performances of the season, prompting Alonso to deliver two powerful messages to his squad behind the scenes. Sources at El Chiringuito TV reported that the coach has responded forcefully to the loss, demanding greater intensity and commitment from players who have failed to deliver on the pitch. The club finds itself in a vulnerable moment, with questions mounting about whether the current squad possesses the mental strength to overcome adversity.

Potential Lineup Changes Without Mbappe

If Kylian Mbappe cannot recover in time to face Manchester City, Real Madrid will need to significantly adjust their attacking approach. Managing Madrid sources suggest that Gonzalo García would likely replace Mbappe in the starting lineup. The Spanish striker performed at a high level during the FIFA Club World Cup and has been waiting for a substantial opportunity since that tournament. This would represent García’s chance to prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages, though replacing Madrid’s top scorer against Manchester City represents an enormous challenge.

Without Mbappe’s pace, movement, and clinical finishing, Real Madrid’s attack would lack its most potent weapon. The French international’s ability to stretch defenses, make runs in behind, and finish chances has been central to everything Real Madrid has achieved offensively this season. García offers different qualities—perhaps more technical ability in tight spaces and better link-up play—but cannot replicate the explosive speed and goal threat that Mbappe provides.

The tactical implications extend beyond simple replacement. Alonso may need to adopt a more conservative approach without Mbappe, potentially prioritizing defensive stability over attacking ambition. Manchester City’s possession-based style and technical superiority could become even more dominant if Real Madrid lacks a focal point in attack capable of relieving pressure through counter-attacking threat. The absence would force Real Madrid to fundamentally reconsider their game plan for a match they probably need to win.

Manchester City Arrive in Strong Form

Manchester City approaches the Santiago Bernabeu fixture in excellent form, having secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side has established themselves as one of Europe’s most formidable teams, combining technical excellence with tactical flexibility that makes them difficult opponents for any team. The eight-time Premier League champions possess the quality and experience to exploit Real Madrid’s weakened state.

The fixture has become an increasingly regular occurrence in the Champions League in recent seasons, with Real Madrid and Manchester City developing a compelling rivalry through their repeated encounters in Europe’s elite competition. Previous matches have produced dramatic moments, outstanding individual performances, and tactical battles between two of football’s most successful clubs. This latest installment arrives at a moment when Real Madrid appears vulnerable, potentially shifting the balance of power in City’s favor.

Guardiola, who previously managed Alonso during their time together at Bayern Munich, knows his compatriot’s tactical thinking intimately. This familiarity could prove advantageous as Guardiola prepares his team to face a Real Madrid side struggling with injuries and questionable form. Manchester City will likely look to dominate possession, control territory, and create chances through their intricate passing combinations—an approach that could overwhelm a depleted Real Madrid defense.

Season-Defining Significance

Wednesday’s Champions League clash represents far more than a single fixture for Real Madrid. The match carries season-defining significance, potentially determining the trajectory of their entire campaign. A victory would provide momentum, validate Alonso’s methods, and demonstrate the squad’s resilience despite adversity. Defeat, particularly a heavy one, could trigger wholesale changes including potential managerial replacement and force a fundamental reassessment of the team’s direction.

For Kylian Mbappe, missing such a crucial match would represent a bitter disappointment. The French striker joined Real Madrid with expectations of starring in precisely these high-profile Champions League encounters. His determination to be ready for the match, despite the physical discomfort, reflects his understanding of the fixture’s importance and his desire to contribute during the team’s time of need. However, the final decision on his participation will depend on medical assessments and whether the risk of aggravating the injury outweighs the potential benefits of his presence.

The match will also test whether Real Madrid’s squad depth can cope with the extensive injury list. Young players and fringe squad members may be thrust into action against one of Europe’s best teams, providing them with both opportunity and immense pressure. Their ability to perform at the required level could determine not just the result but also their future roles within the squad.

Looking Ahead to a Crucial 24 Hours

The next 24 hours will prove crucial for Real Madrid as they await final confirmation on Kylian Mbappe’s availability. Xabi Alonso is expected to provide a comprehensive fitness update when he faces the press on Tuesday afternoon to preview the Manchester City clash. That press conference will offer clarity on Mbappe’s condition, the status of other injured players, and Alonso’s tactical approach for what represents his biggest test since taking charge.

Real Madrid supporters will be anxiously monitoring news about their star striker, hoping the muscle discomfort proves minor enough to allow his participation. Without Mbappe, Real Madrid’s chances of defeating Manchester City diminish significantly, potentially placing the team’s season at a crossroads. The injuries, poor form, and mounting pressure combine to create a perfect storm of challenges that Alonso and his squad must navigate.

Wednesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu promises high drama regardless of Kylian Mbappe’s involvement. For Real Madrid, it represents an opportunity to silence critics, demonstrate character, and potentially salvage their season. For Manchester City, it offers a chance to assert dominance over weakened opponents and strengthen their Champions League credentials. The presence or absence of Real Madrid’s talismanic striker could ultimately determine which team emerges victorious from this latest chapter in their developing European rivalry.

Read More: Neymar’s Santos Future Hangs in Balance as World Cup 2026 Dreams Drive Critical Surgery Decision

FAQs