aAvoidable injury: Kylian Mbapp is suffering from a problem with his left knee, which will keep him out of action for Real Madrid for at least three weeks.
However, sports journalist Alfredo Lerrao harshly criticized the Frenchman’s handling of the injury, claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance had clouded his judgment.
Mbapp criticized for not keeping pace
Criticisms about how “Kiki” could not properly manage his physical problems at such a critical period of the season with Los Merengues remain open to debate.
Some emphasize that the reason for his consistent play was his passion and love for the sport, while others say it was his ambition to break personal records.
Lilao, one of those who weighed in on the controversy, analyzed Mbapp’s excessive workload on the program “El Partidazo de COPE” and said: “The important thing is that he took a risk.”
“I think it was a year for Cristiano, chasing that ridiculous record of 59 goals. In fact, Messi used to score 92 goals, but remember, because I think they were overloading him with too many activities, and I don’t think it’s unfair, I think it’s necessary, and of course we all trust Gonzalo,” he added.
On 20 December 2025, Mbappu scored a penalty against Sevilla (2-0), equaling Cristiano’s all-time record.
However, the Frenchman is currently sidelined and coach Loubalo Arbeloa admitted his recovery is not just a matter of days. His absence will be a big blow for Real Madrid at a crucial moment in the 2025-2026 season. He has scored 38 goals in 33 games, accounting for almost half of the team’s total goals, and will need to address this issue if the team wants to maintain its offensive edge. Vincius Jr., Rodrygo and Gonzalo Garza are among the names mentioned in the attack.
Kylian missed the return leg of the Champions League play-offs against Benfica and is highly doubtful for the round of 16 first leg against Manchester City. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that he will miss the LaLiga match against Getafe Rodrigo and young Gonzalo Garza (Monday 2nd March), and it is very likely that he will also miss the games against Celta de Vigo and Elche.
However, the move is aimed at avoiding the player’s surgery, which would not only affect his Real Madrid career, but also his participation in the French national team and at the next World Cup in 2026.
