Mastantuono’s Journey: Overcoming Injury at Real Madrid

The Argentine winger arrived at Real Madrid this summer following a transfer from River Plate for €45 million ($53 million/£39 million). At just 18 years of age, he is regarded as one of the most promising South American talents of his generation. Real Madrid acted swiftly to secure his signing, confident that his profile and playing style would complement manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach.

Mastantuono made his competitive debut in the opening match of the season against Osasuna, quickly acclimating to his new environment. Though he has so far recorded only one goal and one assist in 12 appearances, Alonso has been particularly impressed with his overall gameplay and spatial awareness, which earned him a starting position when Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga were unavailable.

Unfortunately, Mastantuono has been grappling with discomfort due to pubalgia, a groin and lower abdominal injury known for its unpredictability. Speaking to Cadena SER, he shared insights about the development of this injury. He indicated that the pain did not emerge suddenly; rather, it developed gradually until it became unmanageable.

“I’m working hard to recover and return to the pitch, which is where I thrive. I’m feeling much better now,” said the Argentine. “It was a persistent pain that I had been enduring for some time. It was necessary to take a step back and ensure a proper recovery to return at 100%. This club demands that of me. I will be back playing soon.”

He further revealed that the discomfort initially began while he was still at River Plate. “It started during the second match of the Club World Cup with River, and the pain intensified until I had to stop playing.”

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Mastantuono also addressed comparisons to fellow young talent Lamine Yamal, acknowledging that their rivalry might define the future of El Clasico. While he prefers to avoid direct comparisons, he recognizes the motivation that comes from competing against someone of Yamal’s caliber. “I don’t like comparisons, but it’s encouraging to have rivals like Lamine, especially from Barcelona and Spain. It pushes you to improve continuously. I hope we can maintain this competitive dynamic for years to come.”

When asked who is currently the better player, he was candid in his assessment: “Right now, Lamine. He’s showcasing an exceptional level of performance, but I’ve just joined Real Madrid and am in the process of adaptation. I hope to adjust quickly to the demands of European football and life at Real Madrid. I envision a long career filled with memorable matches, like the last one we played, which was remarkable.”

Pubalgia, often referred to as a sports hernia, is particularly challenging for athletes who rely on agility and explosive movements. It affects the connection between the abdominal and adductor muscles, with recovery timelines varying significantly. Wingers and attacking players are especially susceptible due to the nature of their play.

This injury cannot be rushed; returning too soon often exacerbates the pain. Yamal is currently facing a similar issue at Barcelona, experiencing fluctuations in availability due to the injury. Athletic Club’s Nico Williams has recently managed it effectively, while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has also contended with related problems this season.

Mastantuono’s recovery is progressing steadily, but Real Madrid is adopting a cautious approach, with no set timeline for his return. Reports suggest a hopeful outlook for a return by late December; however, the club is committed to ensuring he is fully recovered for a demanding January schedule, which will require depth in the winger position.