Mbappe 'fears the run' amid critical situation at Real Madrid

Even while keeping up a fearsome scoring rate, Real Madrid's star Kylian Mbappé is going through the most haunting season of his professional life due to injury, compelling him to think about halting play to prevent lasting repercussions.

Mbappé disoriented due to lingering injury

According to Spanish media, particularly MARCA, Kylian Mbappé is in a state of "bewilderment" facing the worst injury-plagued season of his career. Notably, this is happening while he has still scored 38 goals in 33 matches for Real Madrid across all competitions—an extraordinary figure.

However, the French forward is struggling with a knee issue, forcing him to miss the La Liga match against Getafe and likely the upcoming clash with Celta Vigo as well. Previously, Mbappé also missed the return leg of the Champions League play-off against Benfica, along with several other matches, including the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.

Although he has played through the pain multiple times, experts warn this is not a sustainable solution. MARCA describes this as a "bizarre situation" for a player who has rarely been injured throughout his 10-year professional career.

Doctor's warning: "He needs to stop"

Some sources indicate Mbappé has rejected the possibility of knee surgery. While surgery may not be certain, taking no action could worsen the situation.

Speaking to AS, Dr. José González, a specialist who has treated many top players in Spain, stated: “The lateral ligament is not as critical as the medial meniscus. Therefore, Mbappé can still play with a mild strain. But at high intensity, he will feel pain.”

According to Dr. González, the solution is simple yet mandatory: “If there are no other complications, in my opinion he needs to stop. Stop completely until the issue is resolved.”

Real Madrid's history holds a costly lesson with Kaká. In the 2009–10 season, he refused knee surgery to make it to the 2010 World Cup, but ultimately had to undergo a delayed operation. His treating doctor at the time admitted: “He should have told us sooner.”

Opportunity for Gonzalo García

Coach Álvaro Arbeloa revealed Mbappé might be out for "several weeks" rather than just a few days. With the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City less than two weeks away, Real Madrid faces a difficult personnel puzzle.

Mbappé's 38 goals account for nearly 44% of the team's total goals this season. Vinicius Junior is gradually regaining form, but Gonzalo García has only 6 goals in the 2025–26 campaign. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old forward, who scored 4 goals in last summer's Club World Cup, may be given more frequent starting opportunities.

This is the moment for Gonzalo García to prove his worth, while for Mbappé, the most important thing right now may not be scoring goals, but knowing when to stop.