By Sochima Agbo 

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé was absent from training on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns ahead of the club’s decisive UEFA Champions League encounter against Manchester City on Wednesday.

The French star reportedly broke a finger during Madrid’s La Liga defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday. According to the club, his absence from today’s training session was linked to the injury as well as “other discomfort” he sustained in the match.

Mbappé’s potential unavailability poses a major challenge for head coach Xabi Alonso, especially as Spanish media report that another Champions League setback could put the manager’s job at risk.

The 26-year-old striker has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 25 goals in 21 matches across all competitions. His performances have been crucial to Real Madrid’s campaign, making the timing of the injury particularly troubling for the club.

Real Madrid will hope their talisman recovers in time to face Manchester City, a fixture that may determine the trajectory of their European season, and possibly the future of their head coach.