Real Madrid have received a significant injury scare ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash with Manchester City, with talisman Kylian Mbappé suffering a muscular injury during training on Thursday.
The French superstar, who joined Real Madrid from PSG in the summer of 2024, has been in spectacular form this season — 42 goals and 18 assists in all competitions cementing his status as arguably the world's best player.
Nature of the Injury
Real Madrid's medical team confirmed the injury is muscular in nature, affecting his left quadriceps. Initial assessments suggest he has a 60-70% chance of being fit for the first leg against Manchester City on April 28th.
What This Means for the Match
Mbappé's potential absence is massive news for betting markets. His individual quality elevates Real Madrid from "likely winners" to "certain favorites" in any match. Without him, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. would need to carry the attacking burden.
Betting Implications
Real Madrid's odds to progress from the tie have lengthened from 1.55 to 1.85 in response to the injury news. If Mbappé is confirmed absent, expect a further drift. Our tip remains Real Madrid to progress even without him — their squad depth is extraordinary — but the value proposition is significantly different.