Madrid's Next-Gen Star in Doubt Ahead of Liverpool Duel

Injury Clouds Madrid's Liverpool Showdown

Real Madrid were dealt a worrying blow ahead of their eagerly awaited Liverpool clash at Anfield, after it was confirmed young midfielder Franco Mastantono is suffering from a complex muscle injury described as an athletic hernia, or biopalgia, casting doubt on his availability for the coming fixtures.

According to AS, the 18-year-old is facing the same mysterious issue that has also troubled Lamine Yamal, a condition that varies by case and for which experts typically urge limited activity to prevent stiffness, while determining the right level of exertion remains a precise medical call.

The report adds that the Argentine youngster felt recurring pains in recent days, ruling him out of today’s training and leaving him to train in the gym inside the Valdebebas complex.

From that moment onward, the trajectory of his health has been opaque and not bound to a clear timetable, with questions about his involvement against Liverpool or in subsequent matches.

Franco Mastantono: Rising Argentine Talent

This injury is among the most perplexing for players and medical teams, as recovery can take weeks in some cases or several months in others.

There are reports that pain levels shift day by day; some days he feels no discomfort, while others the pain spikes clearly.

The Spanish newspaper noted that today was particularly tough for Mastantono, who felt a significant pain that prevented him from training with teammates.

The Madrid coaching staff had not planned to start him against Liverpool anyway, with Xabi Alonso expected to preserve Camavinga in the lineup as in the last Clasico.

But now the issue goes beyond selection; his inclusion in the squad is in doubt not only for Liverpool but also for the upcoming Rio Vallecano game and perhaps for the Argentina national team during the next international window.

Mastantono did feature in the last match against Valencia but did not hit his best form; to date he has appeared in all Real Madrid games this season except against Real Sociedad and Barcelona, totaling 689 minutes with one goal and one assist.

The club’s medical staff continue daily monitoring, with a recommendation to maintain limited physical activity until symptoms fully abate.

Ultimately, his return to full training and competitive action will depend on how his body responds to treatment in the coming days, turning what should be a routine update into a headache for Xabi Alonso ahead of the European showdown.

Argentine Prodigy

Franco Mastantono is emerging as one of the brightest talents in Argentine and world football, drawing attention from early on thanks to his technical flair, maturity on the pitch, and ability to adapt to high-speed rhythms of play. Born on August 14, 2007 in Buenos Aires, he grew up in a footballing environment that fed his lifelong passion for the game.

He began his career with River Plate, one of South America’s most prestigious clubs, joining their academy at a very young age. From the start, he showed signs of technical and cognitive excellence, capable of playing in multiple attacking roles thanks to his keen vision and quick decision-making. Over time, his name became one of the most discussed among the club’s youth ranks due to his evolving performance and skills beyond his years.

In 2023 Mastantono etched his name in River Plate history as the youngest player to appear for the first team in an official match, surpassing past figures like Javier Saviola and Pablo Aimar. This early breakthrough was more than a fleeting moment; it underscored the coaching staff’s faith in his abilities as he continued to feature with the first team amid fierce competition.

Mastantono’s style blends tactical intelligence with the ability to control the tempo of a match. He combines natural talent with composure in decision-making, excels at dribbling and short passes in tight spaces, and is accurate with his left foot. He is often compared to players such as Angel Di Maria or Lionel Messi for his precocious talent and capacity to influence games at any moment.

His breakout in Argentina attracted European clubs, with Real Madrid most insistent; scouts tracked his progress for a long period before the Madrid giants officially secured him in 2024 as part of a project to sign top young talents from around the world.

Punchlines aside, if this is a preview, the future looks bright for Mastantono — just not necessarily for the timeline of his return. Real Madrid would love to fast-forward the clock, but the body doesn’t do deadlines well. And in football, timing is everything, even more so when a teenager is involved with a ball and a big dream. If injuries were goals, Madrid would be lifting trophies with a squad full of comebacks. And if the medical staff ever get bored, they can always start a podcast about wait times instead of winning margins.