Fakayejo Paul
The injury crisis at Valdebebas has reached a boiling point. Just as Real Madrid fans were processing the official medical report on Kylian Mbappé’s knee sprain, news has emerged that Rodrygo Goes is now undergoing urgent tests for a knee issue of his own.
As first reported by Abraham Romero, the Brazilian forward complained of significant pain following Monday night’s shock 1-0 defeat to Getafe. The timing is particularly cruel; Rodrygo had only just returned to action as a second-half substitute, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 55th minute as manager Álvaro Arbeloa desperately searched for an equalizer.
A Familiar Foe: The “Knee Jinx”
While Rodrygo had spent the last several weeks sidelined with a persistent hamstring injury, this new discomfort in his knee has set off alarm bells within the club’s medical department.
Initial reports suggest the staff is “deeply worried” about the nature of the pain, fearing it could be more than just a simple knock from the Getafe clash.
If the tests confirm a serious issue, Rodrygo will join an Al-Khelaifi-sized list of absentees:
- Kylian Mbappé: Managing a left knee sprain with “conservative treatment.”
- Jude Bellingham: Still recovering from a hamstring tear.
- Eduardo Camavinga: Out with a severe toothache (though expected back soon).
- Franco Mastantuono: Suspended for the next match following his red card for dissent against Getafe.
The Race Against Celta Vigo
The immediate concern is this Friday’s trip to Balaídos to face Celta Vigo. With Real Madrid now trailing Barcelona by four points at the top of the table, Arbeloa can ill afford a third consecutive league defeat.
If Rodrygo is ruled out, the attacking burden will fall almost entirely on Vinícius Júnior and youngster Gonzalo García, who started against Getafe.
The club is expected to release a formal Parte Médico (medical report) on Rodrygo within the next 24 hours once the results of the scans are fully analyzed.