Another Victim of Pubalgia! Franco Mastantuono to Miss Liverpool Clash in the Champions League
A Costly Blow Before the Trip to England
Real Madrid will travel to Liverpool without one of their brightest young prospects. Eighteen-year-old Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League encounter at Anfield after being diagnosed with pubalgia—a painful groin injury that typically requires rest and gradual rehabilitation.
Mastantuono skipped Monday’s training session at Valdebebas, where Xabi Alonso’s squad prepared behind closed doors. The coach decided to maintain focus in Madrid rather than practice at Anfield, aiming to refine tactical details privately ahead of the key European clash with Liverpool.
An Injury That Raises Concerns in Madrid
The young midfielder played the full ninety minutes in Saturday’s league match against Valencia, despite some discomfort. That pain intensified afterward, leading to medical tests that confirmed the diagnosis of pubalgia. This condition affects the lower abdomen and groin area, causing sharp pain during fast movements such as sprinting or striking the ball.
Although no official recovery timeline has been announced, Real Madrid’s medical team intends to proceed carefully to prevent relapse and ensure Mastantuono’s steady progression with the first team.
Pubalgia can vary greatly in severity—some players recover within weeks, while others require months of rehabilitation. Madrid’s staff prefers caution, valuing the player’s long-term development over short-term participation.
Author’s Summary
Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono will miss the Liverpool clash due to pubalgia, a serious groin injury, prompting cautious management to protect his long-term career.