Kylian Mbappé, the French football star, will not require surgery on his left knee, according to a report by Spanish daily AS. Mbappé suffered an injury during a match against Turkey on September 25, and initial concerns suggested that he might need to undergo surgery. However, after undergoing medical examinations, it was determined that his knee injury is not severe enough to require surgical intervention.
The injury occurred when Mbappé, who plays for Real Madrid, suffered an hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee during the match against Turkey. He was substituted out of the game in the 59th minute, citing discomfort in his knee. Following the incident, Real Madrid conducted medical tests, which revealed the extent of the injury. The club has been in constant contact with the French Football Federation to monitor the situation and determine the best course of action.
According to AS, the fact that Mbappé was substituted out of the game quickly limited the damage to his knee. If he had continued to play, there was a risk that he could have suffered a more severe injury that might have compromised his entire season. This is not the first time Mbappé has experienced issues with his left knee; at the end of 2025, Real Madrid announced that he had suffered a sprain in the same knee.
The report suggests that Mbappé's absence from the pitch is expected to last between 10 to 12 days. He began his rehabilitation on Monday at Real Madrid's training facility, Valdebebas. This timeline could potentially make him available for Real Madrid's match against Villarreal on October 10. However, the club is cautious and does not want him to return to action until he is fully recovered and not experiencing any discomfort.
Real Madrid's coach, José Mourinho, is reportedly hesitant to field Mbappé against Villarreal, prioritizing his full recovery. The club's schedule is tight, with upcoming matches against AS Roma on October 14 and a highly anticipated Clásico against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou on October 25. The team's medical staff will continue to monitor Mbappé's progress and make a decision on his availability for the Villarreal match after assessing his condition in training.
In preparation for Mbappé's absence, Real Madrid's coaching staff is working on alternative tactical formations to compensate for his presence on the field. Four possible solutions are being explored, including one that would position Arda Güler behind Jude Bellingham, with Diomande on the right wing. These options will be tested while Mbappé continues his rehabilitation.
Mbappé's availability for the Clásico against FC Barcelona on October 25 will depend on his progress in the coming days. His condition will be reassessed during training sessions, and a final decision will be made based on his fitness level. The French football star's participation in this high-profile match could significantly impact the team's performance, and his recovery will be closely watched by fans and the media alike.
Key points
- Kylian Mbappé is not expected to require surgery on his injured knee.
- Mbappé's absence from the pitch is expected to last between 10 to 12 days.
- His availability for the Clásico against FC Barcelona on October 25 will depend on his progress in the coming days.