Real Madrid News
Real Madrid players do not believe that Kylian Mbappe is injured
Kylian Mbappe has been the focal point of the upcoming Champions League Round of 16 tie between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
The Parisian juggernaut are heading into this game with a narrow one-goal advantage from the first leg, but things could get tricky at Santiago Bernabeu, with Los Blancos keen on sparking a comeback.
PSG’s chances of advancing were hit further by reports suggesting Kylian Mbappe might not be fit for the encounter. The French international had missed the recent Ligue 1 clash against OGC Nice through suspension, and while the forward was fit, he had reportedly sustained a foot injury during training on Monday.
The prospect of Mbappe missing out could be significant for PSG, as the 23-year-old is by far their most dangerous attacker. With 24 goals and 17 assists in just 34 competitive matches, the forward has had an exemplary record this season. He even scored the late winner that granted PSG a slender lead in the first leg.
Quite unsurprisingly, the possibility of Mbappe missing the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu has left the Spanish media on fire. The infamous El Chiringuito has recently delivered a segment, suggesting Real Madrid players do not believe Mbappe is injured.
The segment comes just a day after reports that claimed the Frenchman has a considerable chance of making the squad. After being challenged by Idrissa Gueye during training, the 23-year-old is expected to test himself during the team’s last training session on Tuesday, hoping to recover in time before Wednesday evening.
PSG had issued an official statement, promising an update on Mbappe’s fitness today. It appears they are hopeful of the Frenchman’s comeback, although his failure to do so could be catastrophic for Les Parisiens.
Without Mbappe, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to deploy Lionel Messi in a central role, with both Neymar and Angel Di Maria operating out wide. Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, meanwhile, has been ruled out on a potential return to Bernabeu due to injury.
The cloud of uncertainty over Karim Benzema’s future has served as a major headache for the Real Madrid board, as they kickstart their team planning ahead of the new season.
Recent reports claim the Frenchman is strongly considering a move to Saudi Arabia, after receiving a lucrative €150 million offer from Al Ittihad. He was close to renewing his contract at Santiago Bernabeu not too long ago, but it appears the tables have turned lately.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are yet to give up on Benzema and still harbour hopes of renewing his contract in the coming weeks, reports Alfredo Matilla.
The Spanish journalist suggests Real Madrid have not closed the file on Benzema. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has recently met the forward to clarify his future and it appears the club are set to do everything they can to keep hold of the player.
Benzema’s departure, after all, could put the club in a major dilemma, where they must either sign a top-class striker or settle for a low-cost alternative for the entirety of next season.
Harry Kane has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Benzema. But his acquisition could potentially jeopardise Real Madrid’s bid to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The club have also faced difficulties negotiating with Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman.
As far as the low-cost options are concerned, Real Madrid are interested in Roberto Firmino, who will become a free agent in the summer.
However, the Brazilian international is not the most productive striker around and his struggles in front of goal could put more pressure on players like Vinicius Junior next season.
Real Madrid, therefore, will hope to keep hold of Benzema’s services for another year. Unfortunately, though, the player has given a cold response so far and left training early, without speaking too much.
So it will be interesting to see whether or not the veteran striker opts to remain at Bernabeu for another year.
