Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is undergoing further medical evaluation in Paris, the club confirmed, as concerns linger over a knee issue that has sidelined the prolific scorer.
The club stated that Mbappé, accompanied by members of Real Madrid’s medical team, is receiving additional testing “with the aim of optimising his follow-up care and preparing for his comeback.” No surgical intervention is currently planned, according to the statement.
The decision to allow Mbappé to seek further assessment was reached mutually, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa said last week. “It was a bit of a consensus between everyone and we suppose the best thing is that he stops, that he recovers and comes back at 100%,” Arbeloa stated. He cautioned that a return to play would not be imminent. “It’s not going to be a question of days, it will be a bit longer, but I can’t say how long. Hopefully not too long.”
Mbappé has scored 38 goals in 33 appearances for Real Madrid this season, making his absence a significant blow to the team’s ambitions in both La Liga and the Champions League. Arbeloa had previously acknowledged the discomfort Mbappé had been experiencing, noting the player had been forced to curtail training sessions due to the knee problem.
The timing of the injury is particularly sensitive, with Real Madrid facing a crucial stretch of matches. The club is currently contending for the La Liga title, trailing Barcelona and remains in contention in the Champions League. Arbeloa confirmed last month that Mbappé was a doubt for the Champions League clash with Manchester City, citing the ongoing knee issue.
Real Madrid are also without Jude Bellingham, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Brazil winger Rodrygo, who is currently unavailable. Arbeloa has indicated that Rodrygo could play a key role in filling the void left by Mbappé’s absence. Defender Éder Militão also remains sidelined through injury.
Arbeloa has been careful to avoid specifying a firm timeline for Mbappé’s return, emphasizing the importance of allowing the player to fully recover. “We want him to return to 100%, and when that happens, he will return,” he said. The club is proceeding cautiously, prioritizing Mbappé’s long-term fitness over a hasty return to the pitch.
