Real Madrid Faces Unexpected Setback as Mbappé’s Injury Casts Doubt Over Champions League Showdown with Man City

There’s no denying Kylian Mbappé has been the shining beacon in a Real Madrid squad still finding its footing under new manager Xabi Alonso. Yet, as the pressure mounts ahead of a critical UEFA Champions League clash with Pep Guardiola’s powerhouse Manchester City, nerves are starting to fray—particularly with Mbappé nursing a minor injury. The Spanish giants stumbled alarmingly in a recent La Liga encounter, dropping a 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo, and with Éder Militão sidelined, the stakes keep rising. What’s troubling is Mbappé’s fractured left ring finger from a tumble during that same match—seen wrapped in a peculiar bandage as he soldiered on—but despite the medical confirmation, the French phenom insists on taking the pitch in Wednesday’s must-win showdown. Sitting fifth and desperate to nab a direct spot into the round of 16, Real Madrid can ill afford any dip in Mbappé’s scintillating form. How this injury will impact the superstar—and the club’s Champions League ambitions—remains anyone’s guess. LEARN MORE

Kylian Mbappé has been the lone bright spot for a Real Madrid side still searching for direction under new head coach Xabi Alonso. But with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City looming on the horizon, the French superstar has sparked concern ahead of a crucial UEFA Champions League matchup after suffering a minor injury.

Los Blancos delivered a worrying performance in Sunday’s La Liga loss to Celta Vigo, falling 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu against a mid-table opponent. On top of the disappointing display, Madrid also saw Éder Militão go down with an injury, and now Mbappé’s condition has become another issue for the club to monitor.

Mbappé fractured the ring finger on his left hand during the first half against Celta after an awkward fall. Despite the obvious discomfort, he managed to play the full match, returning for the second half with what appeared to be an unusual bandage wrapped around the injured area.

According to Diario AS, medical tests on Monday confirmed the fracture. Even so, after speaking with club doctors, Mbappé has made it clear he intends to play in Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Manchester City.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is challenged by Sergio Carreira of Celta Vigo.

Currently sitting fifth in the table with 12 points, Real Madrid face a massive challenge as they look to secure a direct berth into the round of 16 and avoid the playoff round. It remains to be seen how the injury, and the protective bandage he’ll wear, might impact Mbappé’s performance.

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Mbappe poised to make Champions League history

Despite Madrid’s inconsistent form, Mbappé is producing the best scoring stretch of his career. Through five Champions League matches this season, he has recorded an unprecedented scoring rate of nearly two goals per game, racking up nine goals in the 2025-26 campaign.

The competition’s single-season scoring record belongs to Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted 17 goals in 13 matches during the club’s 2013–14 title-winning run. With the expanded format providing more matches, Mbappé is on pace to challenge that mark, and could reach an astonishing 27 goals if he maintains his current level.