Timing makes Real Madrid forward’s injury deeply worrying | OneFootball

Real Madrid face a major test this weekend as they prepare to take on Real Betis without their most decisive player of the season. 

With La Liga action resuming, the absence of Kylian Mbappe significantly alters the landscape for Real Madrid, who have become heavily reliant on the French forward’s goals and influence in attack.

Mbappe will miss Sunday’s clash against Real Betis, coincidentally the same opponent against whom he scored his first two league goals for Madrid earlier in the season. 

His unavailability is a serious concern, especially considering the numbers he has produced so far. 

Across all competitions, the French striker has scored an astonishing 29 goals in just 24 appearances, making him responsible for more than half of Madrid’s total goals this season.

The statistics underline just how much Madrid struggle without him. So far, Mbappe has missed only one match and Real Madrid have gone on to lose it against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. 

Trouble with injuries

What makes the situation more striking is the context around his injury. Despite dealing with knee problems for several weeks, Mbappe still featured in the Copa del Rey tie against Talavera. 

Those ongoing issues have now forced him to stop, leaving Madrid without their attacking reference point.

Real Madrid are in absolute trouble. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The numbers paint a clear picture. Real Madrid have scored 51 goals in total this season, and 29 of them carry Mbappe’s signature. 

The gap between him and the rest of the squad is enormous, as Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham are the next top scorers, with just five goals each. 

Mbappe alone has nearly tripled their combined tally, a remarkable and worrying imbalance.

Bad timing

The timing of his injury only adds to the problem. Real Madrid recently confirmed the loan departure of Endrick to Lyon, where the young Brazilian will spend the rest of the season. 

With Endrick gone, the role of backup centre-forward now falls to academy product Gonzalo Garcia.

To complicate matters further, Brahim Diaz is currently away with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

While his form at the international level is encouraging for the future, it offers little comfort in the present, as he will not return until his national team is eliminated.