Real Madrid’s horrendous record after Kylian Mbappe’s return from injury | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s season has fallen apart in April, and the numbers surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s return from injury make for uncomfortable reading.

The French forward returned to the starting lineup on April 4 following a knee injury that had kept him sidelined for seven matches.

In his absence, Real Madrid had been in fine form, notably winning six of those seven games. Since his return, the results have been starkly different.

A damning April record

Real Madrid have won just one of their six league matches since Mbappe returned to the starting eleven: A narrow victory over Alaves.

The other five fixtures brought two draws against Betis and Girona, and three defeats, including both legs against Bayern Munich and a loss to Mallorca.

To compound matters, Mbappe himself has contributed just three goals across those six appearances, a far cry from the nine he scored in his first six matches under Arbeloa earlier in the season.

Real Madrid have never been the same after Mbappe’s return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

In terms of broader seasonal data, Real Madrid win 65% of games in which Mbappe starts, compared to 70% of games without him. In terms of points per game, both scenarios average 2.1, making the difference negligible.

The situation has been further complicated by Mbappe picking up a hamstring overload during Friday’s 1-1 draw at La Cartuja, forcing him off with ten minutes remaining.

The early reports were positive, but the Frenchman is expected to go through further tests. It is unlikely that the issue will keep him out of the upcoming match against Espanyol.

Mbappe, though, will have to be cautious against Espanyol, as he is already on four yellow cards. Another caution against Espanyol could see him get suspended for the much-awaited El Clasico against Barcelona.