Madrid’s Mbappe ruled out of Betis clash, race on for Super Cup semi-final

WEB DESK: Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of Sunday’s La Liga home fixture against Real Betis due to a knee injury, but the French star is aiming to regain fitness ahead of next week’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid, manager Xabi Alonso said on Saturday.

According to Madrid’s medical staff, the 27-year-old French captain has suffered a sprain in his left knee. Mbappe recently equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real during their 2–0 league win over Sevilla on December 20.

“We will definitely miss Kylian,” Alonso told reporters, adding that the club was “pushing the deadlines” to get him back as soon as possible, with hopes of his availability for the Super Cup.

Real Madrid’s injury concern comes at a time when the club has already experienced a dip in league form, dropping points through three consecutive draws before a surprise home defeat to Celta Vigo in December, allowing Barcelona to move ahead in the title race.

The slump has also coincided with a goalless spell for forward Vinicius Jr., who has scored only five goals in all competitions this season after netting 22 last year. He was recently booed by sections of home fans.

Commenting on Vinicius, Alonso said the Brazilian is “fine, cheerful and smiling,” adding that the recent break helped the squad reset and that the team must generate “enthusiasm and rhythm” in front of the home crowd.

Web Desk