By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kylian Mbappe is on bench for Real Madrid’s clash against Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, amid fitness concerns.
Mbappe trained separately from his teammates on Tuesday, which added to doubts about his availability for the City match.
The critical issue was that of muscular pain. Although the club maintained that the injury was not severe, there was a real risk that it could worsen in a match as demanding as this one, especially against a City side that requires maximum physical intensity.
Madrid’s medical staff evaluated the situation throughout the day, monitoring Mbappé’s mobility, his sensations, and how he responded to final tests.
The final call was made only minutes before kickoff and was based strictly on medical assessments and risk management.
Gonzalo Garcia was named at the point of Madrid’s attack for a game coach Xabi Alonso needs to win to ease growing pressure on his position.
Madrid has won only just two of its last seven game in all competitions and fell to a 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo in the Spanish league on Sunday.