Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé sustained a right ankle injury during the team's 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals, leading to his substitution in the 75th minute by Brahim Díaz. Following a lackluster performance, Mbappé faced jeers from some fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium as he left the field. Details on the severity of the injury were not immediately disclosed, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Struggling to find the net in recent matches, Mbappé's goal drought continued as he failed to register any shots on target against Arsenal. Despite his involvement in a potential penalty incident, ultimately overturned by VAR, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acknowledged the challenge posed by Arsenal's defensive tactics on Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Madrid's exit from the Champions League marks their first failure to reach the semifinals since 2020, with Arsenal progressing 5-1 on aggregate following a 3-0 victory in the first leg.
Mbappé, in his debut season with Madrid, faces uncertainty due to the injury setback as the team navigates important fixtures in the coming weeks. Having never clinched the Champions League title during his time with Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé's absence could impact Madrid's pursuit of European success.