Image source: sports.yahoo.com
Real Madrid are considering giving Kylian Mbappe a painkiller injection to enable him to start against Barcelona in Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final, despite the French forward still recovering from injury. Manager Xabi Alonso faces a crucial decision over whether to risk his talisman in the Clasico clash.
Real Madrid Weigh Painkiller Option to Get Mbappe Through Barcelona Final
Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final victory against Atletico Madrid and was not present with the squad in Saudi Arabia initially. Alonso only revealed the player’s improvement and sudden travel to Jeddah to link up with the team for the final after the Atletico match, with the initial prognosis placing him out for a much longer duration.
The French striker has serious chances of starting against Barcelona this weekend according to L’Equipe, with Real Madrid desperate to have him back in the starting lineup. Mbappe is motivated to play the final for Los Blancos, though he does not wish to take any risks with his fitness. The actual decision will be made just before the game based on his feelings.
Real Madrid’s desperation to have their talisman available has led them to consider the painkiller injection option. The club sees it as beneficial for Mbappe to start against Barcelona and play with any small pain suppressed, then subsequently rest him against Albacete and Levante next week to further his recovery.
The plan raises concerns about directly jeopardising the star forward’s fitness, with the risk of serious aggravation to his unhealed injury. While having Mbappe available against Barcelona would be massive for Real Madrid’s chances, the potential consequences of rushing him back may not represent the best way forward for the club’s long-term interests.
