Why isn’t Kylian Mbappé playing today for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo in LaLiga?

Kylian Mbappé will be absent for Real Madrid once again as Álvaro Arbeloa’s team face in-form Celta Vigo at Balaídos on Friday, March 6. The French superstar continues to recover from a left knee issue that first surfaced in Los Blancos’ home game against the same opponents on Dec. 7.

When will Mbappé return for Real Madrid?

Since then, Mbappé has played 12 games, scoring 13 goals. However, he has also been forced to sit out seven matches. The club and the player are desperate to get to the bottom of the issue once and for all, particularly as they look to salvage their season in LaLiga and the Champions League, where they face Manchester City in the round of 16 on March 11 and March 17.

Real Madrid are hopeful the former PSG attacker will be fit for the first leg against City next week, although there are no guarantees.

Madrid falters in title race

Two successive defeats, to Osasuna and Getafe, have seen Madrid fall four points behind Barcelona at the top of the league table. Another loss in Vigo, coupled with a win for Barça away to Athletic on Saturday, would extend the gap to seven points and could prove fatal with just 11 games left to play after this weekend.

Celta on a roll

Facing Celta promises to be no easy challenge. The team from the northwest of Spain is in sixth place in the LaLiga standings and pushing for a Europa League spot. They are on a four-game winning run in all competitions, although their form on the road has been better than in their own stadium this season.

A depleted Real Madrid squad

Arbeloa faces a huge selection headache for Friday’s matchup. In addition to Mbappé, the Madrid coach will also be without Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Eder Militão, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos due to injury, while Franco Mastantuono, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen are all suspended.

Raúl Asencio and Eduardo Camavinga have made the squad for the trip to Vigo but are not fully fit and will likely be emergency options on the bench.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.