Mbappé hamstring injury uncertain for final games

Kylian Mbappé remains unavailable for Real Madrid after the club said on April 27 that the France forward had suffered an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg. The injury followed Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis on April 24, when Mbappé asked to come off after 81 minutes, according to Goal and Sports Illustrated. (realmadrid.com) Real Madrid has not published a timetable for his return, saying only that he was “awaiting progress.” With three La Liga matches left, that leaves his status unresolved for the run-in. ### What exactly did Real Madrid say about the injury? Real Madrid said on April 27 that tests carried out by the club’s medical services showed Mbappé had an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg. (realmadrid.com) The club’s statement did not mention a recovery window or a target match for his return. The semitendinosus is one of the hamstring muscles, and outside reports described the problem as a left hamstring injury. Goal reported that Mbappé signaled to the bench late in the Betis match and went straight to the dressing room after being replaced. ### When was Mbappé injured, and what happened in the match? (realmadrid.com) April 24 was the date of the Betis match in which Mbappé was injured, and Real Madrid’s own pre-match and milestone coverage shows he started that game and made his 100th appearance for the club. Goal reported that he lasted 81 minutes before asking to be substituted. (realmadrid.com) Sports Illustrated reported that manager Álvaro Arbeloa said after the match that Mbappé was “feeling some discomfort” and that the club would see how the issue developed. That report said the injury immediately raised doubts over his availability for the next fixtures, though Madrid had not ruled him out of specific matches at that stage. (goal.com) ### Why is his availability still uncertain now? May 13 was the date of Real Madrid’s final training session before hosting Oviedo, and the club’s training report listed several injured players continuing recovery processes but did not mention Mbappé among the players training with the group. The report named Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, Arda Güler, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde as continuing recovery work. (realmadrid.com) Real Madrid has also not issued a follow-up medical bulletin clearing Mbappé to return, based on the club material available from April 27 through May 14. In the absence of a squad inclusion or a new club update, his selection for the final three league matches remains unresolved. That is an inference from the club’s public updates and fixture list, not a formal club declaration. (si.com) ### What are the last three league games he could still play? Real Madrid said on May 11 that its final three La Liga fixtures were at home to Oviedo on May 14, away to Sevilla on May 17 and at home to Athletic Club on May 23 or 24. La Liga’s official site also listed Madrid against Oviedo on May 14. (realmadrid.com) Those are the matches now framing the question around Mbappé’s return. The club did not attach his name to that schedule update, but it is the remaining window for any league comeback this season. ### What was the issue around his trip to Italy? (realmadrid.com) Goal reported on May 4 that Mbappé traveled to Sardinia while recovering from what it described as a muscular injury. The report said the trip drew criticism in Spain and that Arbeloa defended the player. Goal also reported that Mbappé’s entourage later responded to criticism over his conduct during recovery. (realmadrid.com) Real Madrid has not, in the club reports reviewed here, linked the trip to any change in his medical status. ### What comes next for Real Madrid and Mbappé? (realmadrid.com) Thursday, May 14 is Real Madrid’s next match, with Oviedo visiting the Bernabéu at 9:30 p.m. CEST, according to the club and La Liga. Sevilla follows on Sunday, May 17, and Athletic Club is the final league opponent on May 23 or 24, according to Real Madrid’s schedule update. Mbappé’s availability for any of those matches will depend on whether the club names him in a squad or issues a further medical update. (goal.com) (realmadrid.com) (goal.com)