Crutches, Cries, and a Late Mbappe Strike: Madrid’s Night at Mestalla

Madrid edge past Valencia as injuries loom

Arbeloa fears a new injury in Madrid's attack.

Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid's coach, expressed concern about a fresh injury threat to the club's attacking unit.

Real Madrid battled to a 2-0 victory away to Valencia at Mestalla in La Liga's round 23.

Alvaro Carreras opened the scoring in the 65th minute, and Kylian Mbappe wrapped up the win in stoppage time at 91.

Madrid climbed to 57 points, sitting second, one behind leaders Barcelona, while Valencia stayed on 23 points in 17th.

Cameras then captured Franco Mastantuono returning to Madrid on crutches, sparking concerns about his readiness for upcoming fixtures.

Mastantuono started on the bench against Valencia, then appeared for eight minutes as a late substitute.

Madrid have been short of firepower recently with injuries to Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, plus Endrick's winter loan to Lyon.

Punchline 1: If this keeps up, Madrid's bench will need a bench-press just to clap.

Punchline 2: The only thing more injury-prone than their forwards might be their post-match excuses.