Kylian Mbappe a doubt for Real Madrid's crucial Bayern Munich clash
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is a major doubt for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich after missing training with an eye injury. The club confirmed the French international sat out Sunday's session as a precaution after receiving stitches in his right eyebrow following Friday's 1-1 La Liga draw with Girona.
According to a club statement reported by Sport, Mbappe could not take to the pitch due to discomfort from the wound. Real Madrid are hopeful the 27-year-old will be able to return to training on Monday before the squad travels to Germany, with his availability for the match at the Allianz Arena likely to be a last-minute decision.
The potential absence of Mbappe represents a significant blow for manager Alvaro Arbeloa. It was Mbappe's goal at the Bernabeu that secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg, keeping Real Madrid in the tie. His pace and finishing are considered vital assets for a side needing to score in Munich to progress to the semi-finals.
Mbappe's season has been punctuated by fitness concerns. He only recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for several weeks in March, and he has yet to recapture his peak form since coming back. His potential absence compounds a difficult period for Real Madrid, whose title defence in La Liga was effectively ended by the frustrating draw with Girona.
The club stated the decision to rest him was purely precautionary, and sources suggest the atmosphere within the camp remains relaxed. However, should the eye issue prevent him from training on Monday, tension will inevitably rise ahead of the season's most important fixture. Real Madrid's medical staff will monitor the healing process closely over the next 48 hours.
Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024, signing a lucrative five-year contract. He has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season, but his campaign has been disrupted by niggling injuries. His possible unavailability forces Arbeloa to consider alternative attacking plans, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior likely to shoulder more creative responsibility if their star teammate is unavailable or not fully fit.
