Shoe changes: the suspicion behind Mbappé's injury
Kylian Mbappé set off alarms this Friday by scoring the first and last goal of the match against Turkey, but after celebrating he put his hand on his left knee and had to be substituted. The French striker will return this Saturday to Madrid to undergo tests that will determine the severity of the injury.
Diagnosis and tests in Madrid
According to the EFE agency, journalist Mario Calderón reported from Madrid that the international break has ended for Mbappé. This Saturday he will go to Real Madrid’s medical centre, where they will carry out examinations to determine the extent of an injury affecting the left joint tendon. The magnitude of the damage and the length of the layoff are still unknown.
So far, the federation has not officially confirmed the cause of the injury. Nevertheless, the striker’s absence represents one of the worst pieces of news Real Madrid could receive during this international break, given his importance to the team’s attack.
New kit as a possible trigger
On the same day, Mbappé debuted with his new On boots, after ending his partnership with Nike. The first model of this collaboration was launched on Friday, coinciding with the moment of the incident. Social media and health experts have pointed out that the change of footwear could be linked to the problem.
Various traumatologists and sports specialists explain that “any sudden change in the characteristics of the footwear, such as the shape of the boot, the pressure of the studs, the stiffness of the sole, the height of the sole, the cushioning or the total weight, slightly alters the way kinetic forces are transmitted through the feet, ankles, knees and the posterior muscle chains”. This observation suggests a possible link between the new kit and the injury.
Mbappé’s history shows seven injuries in the last two years, according to reports from the EFE agency. This figure reinforces the concern that the player could face a prolonged period away from the pitch, which would complicate Real Madrid’s plans.
It is expected that, after the medical examinations, the club will announce the definitive diagnosis and the possible return date. In the meantime, Real Madrid’s coaching staff will have to look for alternatives to cover the striker’s absence in the upcoming commitments.