Injury Woes for Ethan Mbappé as He Debuts with Lille
The excitement surrounding Ethan Mbappé's first professional contract with Lille took a downturn as he suffered an injury during a friendly match against Genk on Saturday. The 17-year-old midfielder entered the game in the 78th minute but was unable to finish, injuring his right ankle. The incident occurred just before the final whistle, leaving fans and the coaching staff worried about the severity of the injury.
Lille's coach, Bruno Genesio, expressed his concern after the match, stating he had not yet had the opportunity to assess the situation with the medical staff. "I hope it won't be too serious; I don't like seeing players leave the field like that," he commented. Ethan was seen leaving the stadium on crutches with his ankle bandaged, accompanied by his father, which raised further concerns about his fitness for upcoming matches.
Ethan's Journey and Aspirations in Football
Ethan Mbappé, who has been part of youth teams since the age of 10, recently signed a three-year contract with Lille, marking a significant step in his career. As his brother Kylian is celebrated at Real Madrid, Ethan aims to carve out his own legacy in French football. He expressed his commitment to the club, stating, "For me, at my age, staying in France was the best option to progress. I think LOSC was the best project. It's a club that is one of the best in France. It's a real pride to be able to play here."
Despite the injury setback, Ethan remains optimistic, taking to social media to thank supporters for their encouragement and expressing his desire to return to the field as soon as possible.
- Ethan's recent injury comes at a pivotal time in his career, as he transitions from youth football to the professional arena. His brother, Kylian Mbappé, has made headlines with his transfer to Real Madrid, putting additional spotlight on the Mbappé family. The injury has raised questions about Ethan's availability for Lille's next preparation match against Wolfsburg, scheduled in just four days. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly awaiting updates on his recovery.