According to Mundo Deportivo, it has been learned that Real Madrid forward Franco Mastantuono will remain with the Argentina national team and will not return to Valdebebas, even after finishing the recent match against Villarreal with some discomfort.
There had been speculation over whether he and Kylian Mbappe might head back to Madrid from their respective national teams due to minor injuries, but both players will continue their international duties.
It must be noted that Mastantuono left the Villarreal match with what was later diagnosed as a mild hamstring strain.
The Argentine medical staff examined him and confirmed that the issue is not serious, and it will not prevent him from featuring in Argentina’s upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
Minor injuries but no major concerns
During the Villarreal clash, Mastantuono’s performance was slightly overshadowed by the injury concerns.
Xabi Alonso, speaking after the Villarreal game, revealed that Mastantuono had complained of discomfort in his hamstring, adding him to Real Madrid’s minor injury list.
At the same time, Mbappe also picked up a mild ankle sprain while scoring Madrid’s third goal.
Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid player
Franco Mastantuono will not return to Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Despite these concerns, the decision has been made for both players to continue with their national teams rather than returning to Madrid.
Mastantuono will therefore remain available for Argentina, while the medical staff monitor his progress closely to ensure he stays fit for upcoming matches.
Real Madrid can take some reassurance, as neither injury is considered serious, and both players are expected to return in full health.
At the same time, however, the club will be keeping an eye on the workload of both Mbappe and Mastantuono as fixtures will be thick and fast once they return from the national team duties.
Notably, Real Madrid will face Getafe on October 19, soon after the break, followed by a home clash against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.
On October 26, they will host Barcelona for the season’s first El Clasico, a match where Alonso would not want any player to miss out, especially through fatigue or overload.