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The 39-goal striker suffered a gruesome facial injury in Friday's damaging draw with Girona, casting doubt over his availability for Wednesday's crucial quarter-final second leg
Kylian Mbappe posted graphic images of a deep facial laceration suffered during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Girona, an injury that forced him to miss training and threatens his participation in Wednesday's must-win Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
The French striker, who has scored 39 goals in 38 appearances this season, was caught by an uncalled elbow from Girona defender Vitor Reis in the closing stages at the Bernabeu. The blow left a significant cut above his right eye that required immediate medical attention.
The incident occurred inside the penalty area as Mbappe tussled with Reis for position. Despite the striker being left bloodied on the turf, referee Jesus Gil Manzano waved play on without awarding a penalty.
Mbappe shared the extent of the damage on Instagram, posting an image of medical staff treating the wound above his right eye. Spanish media report the injury was severe enough to rule him out of Saturday's training session.
According to reports in Spain, Mbappe was forced to miss training as a result of the injury.
While the 27-year-old managed to complete Friday's match, the timing of this setback could hardly be worse. Real Madrid face Bayern Munich on Wednesday trailing 2-1 from the first leg, needing their top scorer at full fitness to overturn the deficit.
This marks another fitness concern for Mbappe, who has already missed six matches this season due to persistent knee problems. The forward's injury record at Real Madrid includes:
Real Madrid's European campaign hangs in the balance after Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu last week. The German champions struck twice through Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala to leave Carlo Ancelotti's side needing a result in Munich.
The statistics underline why Real Madrid desperately need their star forward fit for Wednesday's showdown at the Allianz Arena:
Without Mbappe at full capacity, Real Madrid's task becomes significantly harder against a Bayern side that boasts the competition's meanest defence.
Victory would set up a semi-final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Liverpool, who meet in their second leg on Tuesday. Defeat ends Real Madrid's pursuit of a 16th European crown and leaves them with only the Copa del Rey to salvage from a disappointing campaign.
Friday's draw effectively ended Real Madrid's LaLiga title defence. Barcelona now lead by nine points with just seven matches remaining, a gap that appears insurmountable given the Catalans' superior form and head-to-head record.
Federico Valverde's opener had given Real Madrid hope of keeping pace with their rivals, but Girona's equaliser compounded a miserable week that began with the Bayern defeat. The dropped points mean:
The injury encapsulates Real Madrid's frustrating season. Their record signing has delivered impressive numbers but the team has failed to maintain the consistency required to compete on multiple fronts.
Ancelotti faces questions about his tactical approach after watching his side surrender winning positions in consecutive home matches. The Italian must now prepare for Wednesday's do-or-die encounter potentially without his most potent attacking weapon.
Real Madrid's medical team will conduct further assessments over the weekend to determine Mbappe's availability for Munich. The club faces a delicate balance between rushing their star back and risking further complications.
If Mbappe misses out, Ancelotti must decide whether to deploy Rodrygo or Joselu alongside Vinicius Junior in attack. Neither option offers the same goal threat as the Frenchman, whose pace and finishing have been crucial in Europe this season.
Wednesday's clash at the Allianz Arena now represents Real Madrid's season. Win and the campaign remains alive with silverware still possible. Lose and attention turns to a summer rebuild, with serious questions about the direction of the project under Ancelotti's stewardship.
Mbappe suffered a deep facial cut above his right eye from an uncalled elbow by Girona defender Vitor Reis. The injury was severe enough to force him to miss Real Madrid's training session.
Mbappe's participation in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich is uncertain due to the facial injury. Real Madrid trail 2-1 from the first leg and desperately need their top scorer.
Mbappe has scored 39 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, including 23 LaLiga goals that make him the division's top scorer.
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Without Mbappe at full fitness, Real Madrid's task becomes significantly harder against Bayern Munich, who hold a 2-1 first-leg advantage and boast the Champions League's meanest defence.
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