A collective sigh of relief echoed from the offices at the Santiago Bernabéu to the bustling streets of Madrid. The news of Kylian Mbappé that every fan had been dreading turned out to be less a catastrophe and more a minor scare. Kylian Mbappé, the crown jewel of Real Madrid, and the prodigious young talent, Franco Mastantuono, have seemingly dodged serious injury while on international duty.
The international break, a period often fraught with anxiety for club managers and supporters, had struck its familiar chord of fear. First came the news about Kylian Mbappé. The French phenom, already nursing a minor ankle issue from his last game with Madrid, took another knock to the same spot during France’s 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan. The French football federation didn’t waste any time, releasing him from the squad to head back to the Spanish capital. The collective gasp of the Madrid faithful was almost audible.
Just hours later, the bulletin board lit up again. This time, it was Argentina’s camp reporting that the 18-year-old midfield sensation, Franco Mastantuono, was also packing his bags for Madrid due to a muscle overload. Two key players down, and with the monumental El Clásico clash against Barcelona looming just two weeks away, the concern was palpable. The air thickened with worry—would Madrid’s two titans be ready for the battle ahead?
Inside the club, however, a sense of calm prevailed. While fans were refreshing their social media feeds with trembling hands, Real Madrid officials remained composed. According to a report from The Athletic, the anxiety that gripped the fanbase hadn’t penetrated the club’s inner sanctum.
Initial tests on Mbappé’s ankle have already returned, and the results brought good news: the injury is not serious. The French football federation even stated that he should be ready to rejoin training with the first team as early as next week. This is a hugely positive sign for head coach Xabi Alonso, who relies heavily on Kylian Mbappé’s explosive talent. While there was a flicker of concern that he might miss the upcoming match against Getafe, the priority is clearly the bigger picture.
As for Mastantuono, the situation is equally optimistic. The teenage starlet, who had already been sidelined with a hamstring issue before joining the Argentinian squad, picked up a fresh groin injury in training. He returns to Madrid without having played a single minute for his country, but sources close to the club have downplayed the severity, stating that the injury is not considered serious. He is scheduled for further examinations in the coming days, but the prevailing belief is that his time on the sidelines will be brief.
With two crucial players potentially out, the question turns to the immediate schedule. Madrid faces a trip to Getafe on October 19, and Alonso will undoubtedly be cautious. Risking either Mbappé or Mastantuono, if they aren’t at 100%, seems unlikely, especially with what’s on the horizon.
Just three days after the Getafe match, a titanic clash awaits in the Champions League against Juventus. This fixture could be a realistic return target for both players. More importantly, it gives them a chance to get match-fit before the main event: Barcelona’s visit to the Bernabéu on October 26. The initial reports suggest there should be ample time for both stars to recover fully and reclaim their places for the season’s first El Clásico.
For now, Mbappé and Mastantuono will join center-back Dean Huijsen in the recovery room. Huijsen had also left the Spanish national squad early with muscle fatigue. Reports indicate he may need up to two weeks to recover, likely ruling him out for the Getafe and Juventus games. However, like his teammates, he is expected to be fit and ready for the showdown with Barcelona.
The storm, for now, has passed. For Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid, the focus shifts from panic to preparation. The sight of Kylian Mbappé and Franco Mastantuono back on the pitch is the prize, and for the Madrid faithful, that day can’t come soon enough.
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