Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is expected to remain sidelined until he feels fully fit after aggravating concerns over a knee injury, casting doubt over his availability for the club’s upcoming fixtures. The France international is prioritizing a complete recovery and is unwilling to return to action until he is entirely free of discomfort.
Mbappé, 27, made an early comeback earlier this month, appearing as a substitute in the Spanish Super Cup final, where Real Madrid suffered a narrow defeat to Barcelona. However, the decision to return ahead of schedule is now being reassessed, with the player determined not to take further risks with his fitness.
Focus on full recovery
Mbappé is expected to miss Real Madrid’s La Liga match at home against Levante and remains uncertain for the following Champions League clash against Monaco. While his absence is not expected to be long-term, the club may have to cope without its leading scorer as he carefully manages his recovery.
The forward underwent an MRI scan on December 31 and significantly shortened the initial recovery timeline to feature in the Super Cup final just 11 days later. That match ultimately marked the end of former head coach Xabi Alonso’s tenure. His successor, Álvaro Arbeloa, has endured a difficult start, including a shock Copa del Rey loss to lower-division opposition earlier this week, a match Mbappé did not feature in.
No regrets, but no more risks
Despite the outcome, Mbappé reportedly has no regrets about returning early for the Super Cup final, given the importance of the match. However, with a demanding second half of the season approaching—and a World Cup on the horizon later in the year—he is determined to avoid any further setbacks.
Arbeloa, meanwhile, suggested that Mbappé’s condition is improving and indicated that the forward could be included in the squad against Levante, though he stopped short of confirming whether the star would play.
“He’s better and he’ll be in the squad,” Arbeloa said, offering no further detail.
Arbeloa addresses recent struggles
Speaking after Real Madrid’s recent cup defeat, Arbeloa took responsibility for the team’s poor performance and emphasized his cautious approach to player fitness.
“What happened was a lack of ideas, intensity, and physical sharpness—things for which I am responsible,” he said. “There is only one person accountable, and that is the coach. We will work to get the players back to their best in every aspect.”
He added that any players left out of recent matches were deemed at risk of injury, stressing that he would make the same decisions again to protect his squad.
Return expected later this month
It remains unclear whether Arbeloa will use Mbappé against Levante, a move that could run counter to the player’s desire to wait until he is fully recovered. Mbappé is believed to feel that cutting short his rehabilitation was a mistake and plans to closely monitor his knee before deciding when to return.
Barring any setbacks, the French star is expected to be back before the end of the month, with key domestic and European fixtures looming as Real Madrid looks to steady its season.