Kylian Mbappé out of Levante clash with knee injury, Champions League in doubt.

Real Madrid have just suffered a challenging week. They were defeated by their arch-rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, the final straw that led to Xabi Alonso leaving his position as head coach. On Wednesday, they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by La Liga 2 strugglers Albacete under the new management of Álvaro Arbeloa.

For this weekend’s La Liga clash against Levante, they will be without the services of Kylian Mbappé. The French forward played through the pain barrier during last weekend’s Super Clásico defeat, and just days later a knee problem forced him to miss the Copa del Rey tie entirely, where Real Madrid suffered a painful and unexpected exit.

This ongoing discomfort has already restricted Mbappé’s involvement in recent matches and training sessions. 

That cautious approach is largely driven by the challenges ahead. Next Tuesday, Real Madrid host Monaco in a decisive UEFA Champions League tie at the Bernabéu, a match that could shape their European campaign.

Mbappé is also unlikely to be fully fit for Tuesday’s match. The No. 10 and the medical staff are aligned in their approach and are unwilling to take unnecessary risks, despite the significance of the upcoming fixture. They have opted for a cautious route, ensuring he only returns once fully recovered.

As a result, Arbeloa will be forced to reshuffle his attacking line in Mbappé’s absence, after the forward had enjoyed a blistering start to the season during the first five months of the campaign. The most likely option is a front three of Rodrygo, Vinícius and Gonzalo.

Gonzalo García is almost certain to be handed an opportunity. The 21-year-old has impressed in the Frenchman’s absence, scoring five goals in his last four appearances - including a hat-trick against Real Betis, one in El Clásico, and another in the Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete.

Mbappé could be absent from the upcoming Champions League clash against AS Monaco, but is expected to return for the league fixture against Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica.