Fresh Mbappe injury blow ruins Champions League reunion

Tom Weber

Updated: 1 Oct 2024 19:23 BST
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

The potential Champions League reunion of the Mbappe brothers has taken another twist.

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Both Kylian Mbappe and his 17-year-old brother Ethan Mbappe left PSG on a free transfer in the summer when their contracts expired. There had been rumours that the latter would follow the France captain to Real Madrid, but they were ultimately wide of the mark.

With Ethan still having to prove that he can reach similar heights as Kylian, he did not make the move to Spain but instead remained in France, signing Lille.

It was fitting, then, when the Champions League draw was made that Real Madrid and Lille would face each other on Matchday 2 of the revamped competition.

However, the reunion of the Mbappe brothers had been in doubt for a few days and now it is completely off - but not because of Kylian.

Kylian fit but Ethan isn't

Kylian Mbappe limped off injured in Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Alaves late last month and was a major doubt heading into Tuesday's game against Lille. However, the 25-year-old returned ahead of schedule and has been included in the matchday squad.

Real Madrid staff have cleared him to feature in some capacity against his former Ligue 1 rivals, but Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he will not be taking any chances and may not use him.

His early return put a potential reunion of the two brothers back on track, but now Ethan Mbappe has been struck down with a quadriceps injury and he will miss the clash with Real Madrid.

“It is a difficult time for me because it is the first time since I started playing football,” Ethan wrote on his Instagram.“Even if I won’t be on the pitch for a period of time, I will continue to support my team and work behind the scenes. My dream of facing my brother in the Champions League is fading into the distance, but it is not disappearing.”