image credit: Roshn365Mbappé Shock Exit: Star Drops Out of Real Madrid Squad Before City Clash
Mbappé Absence Stuns Santiago Bernabéu Crowd
Real Madrid fans arrived with hope, but tension grew fast as news broke that Kylian Mbappé would not start against Manchester City. His omission shifted the entire mood inside the stadium. Madrid had built much of their season around him. So, when his name did not appear in the XI, one question spread through the stands: Why is Mbappé not playing?
For days, the forward had dealt with two separate issues. First came a fractured finger from their match with Celta. Then came a far more worrying problem — pain in the back of his left thigh. This discomfort stopped him from training at full intensity, leaving his status uncertain until the last checks before kick-off.
Muscle Pain Triggers Late Alarm
The thigh issue proved decisive. The club insisted the injury was not serious, yet they feared it could grow worse in a high-intensity match. City’s pressing demands maximum fitness. Medical staff ran constant tests, tracking his movement and pain levels. Mbappé could not complete the final evaluations at the level needed. Doctors warned that playing could turn a minor issue into weeks of absence.
Madrid Forced to Adapt Under Pressure
Xabi Alonso already faced a major injury crisis, with only four senior defenders fit. Losing Mbappé created a tactical and emotional setback. The team had prepared with him at the centre of their plan. Now they had to adjust everything minutes before kick-off. With Erling Haaland on the other side and huge pressure around the result, the timing could not have been worse.
Late Decision Reshapes Entire Match Plan
The final call came moments before the players walked out. Coaches relied strictly on the medical reports. Madrid chose protection over risk. The club now waits for Mbappé’s discomfort to settle so he can return without long-term damage.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappé’s late withdrawal forced Real Madrid into a difficult but necessary decision. With muscle pain and a recent hand injury, the forward faced a genuine risk of extended absence. Madrid opted for caution to protect their key asset on a night of immense pressure. His return now depends on how fast the discomfort in his thigh improves.
Mbappé Absence Stuns Santiago Bernabéu Crowd
Real Madrid fans arrived with hope, but tension grew fast as news broke that Kylian Mbappé would not start against Manchester City. His omission shifted the entire mood inside the stadium. Madrid had built much of their season around him. So, when his name did not appear in the XI, one question spread through the stands: Why is Mbappé not playing?
For days, the forward had dealt with two separate issues. First came a fractured finger from their match with Celta. Then came a far more worrying problem — pain in the back of his left thigh. This discomfort stopped him from training at full intensity, leaving his status uncertain until the last checks before kick-off.
Muscle Pain Triggers Late Alarm
The thigh issue proved decisive. The club insisted the injury was not serious, yet they feared it could grow worse in a high-intensity match. City’s pressing demands maximum fitness. Medical staff ran constant tests, tracking his movement and pain levels. Mbappé could not complete the final evaluations at the level needed. Doctors warned that playing could turn a minor issue into weeks of absence.
Madrid Forced to Adapt Under Pressure
Xabi Alonso already faced a major injury crisis, with only four senior defenders fit. Losing Mbappé created a tactical and emotional setback. The team had prepared with him at the centre of their plan. Now they had to adjust everything minutes before kick-off. With Erling Haaland on the other side and huge pressure around the result, the timing could not have been worse.
Late Decision Reshapes Entire Match Plan
The final call came moments before the players walked out. Coaches relied strictly on the medical reports. Madrid chose protection over risk. The club now waits for Mbappé’s discomfort to settle so he can return without long-term damage.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappé’s late withdrawal forced Real Madrid into a difficult but necessary decision. With muscle pain and a recent hand injury, the forward faced a genuine risk of extended absence. Madrid opted for caution to protect their key asset on a night of immense pressure. His return now depends on how fast the discomfort in his thigh improves.
