Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will not face his brother in the UEFA Champions League when the Spanish giant take on Lille on Wednesday night.
Kylian Mbappe made the switch to Real Madrid this summer while his brother Ethan, who came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, moved to another Ligue 1 side – Lille.
Though both parties will be eager to lock horns on the green turf, they will miss the moment due to injury.
17-year-old midfielder, Ethan, suffered a knock during Lille’s 3-0 win over Le Havre last weekend to officially rule him out of any maiden competitive face-off with his brother.
Ethan Mbappe (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Kylian himself is also an injury doubt for Madrid with a hamstring issue, although he has been included in the reigning champions’ matchday squad for the trip back to his native France.
“I injured myself during the match, and I’m going to be absent for several weeks,” Ethan posted to Instagram.
“It’s a difficult moment for me because it is the first time this has happened since I started playing football.
“But sadness passes and I am determined to return stronger. With the support of my family, my team-mates and all the medical staff, I am going to put all my energy into my rehabilitation to return at a better level.
“Even if I will not be on the pitch for some time, I will continue to support my team and work hard behind the scenes.
“My dream of facing my brother in the Champions League is distant, but it has not disappeared.”
Ethan began his career alongside his brother at AS Bondy before moving to the Paris academy in 2017, while Kylian exploded onto the scene with AS Monaco before earning himself a big-money move to the same club.
Ethan was a regular for the PSG under-19 side before being called up for first-team training at the back end of 2022-23, joining the club’s pre-season tour, although Kylian was not included due to a disagreement over a new contract.
