Kylian Mbappe’s knee scare eases as Real Madrid plan Villarreal return

Kylian Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s training session on Monday after returning to Madrid, but the forward is expected to be available for the La Liga match against Villarreal on 10 October.

Mbappe was not present when Real Madrid began their session at Valdebebas at 10:30 local time. The France international’s plane landed at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 11:16, according to AS, with television programme El Chiringuito reporting that he arrived alongside his partner, Ester Exposito.

Despite missing the main session, Mbappe is expected to go to Valdebebas later on Monday to continue his rehabilitation and training programme. His knee problem is not currently expected to prevent him from playing against Villarreal on Saturday.

The forward suffered sharp pain in his left knee during France’s opening match of four fixtures in the international break. It was the first game in charge for Zinedine Zidane, and Mbappe scored the only goal against Turkey before feeling discomfort while taking a shot.

Mbappe asked to be substituted, a decision Real Madrid believe may have prevented a more serious outcome. The club feels that continuing to play could have left the injury requiring surgery.

He travelled back to Spain for medical tests, which showed “hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee”. Concern was heightened because it is the same knee in which Mbappe suffered a severe sprain last season.

However, the issue has proved to be minor and Real Madrid manager Mourinho is expected to rely on Mbappe for the fixture against Villarreal on 10 October.

The news will be welcomed by Mourinho as he looks for Mbappe to help Real Madrid recover their early-season form. The club are currently six points behind Barcelona in La Liga and are approaching a significant period in their campaign.

After hosting Villarreal and Sevilla, Real Madrid will travel to Camp Nou to face Barcelona on 25 October.

The club’s immediate priority is to manage Mbappe’s recovery carefully while preparing for the Villarreal match. His absence from Monday’s team training followed his return to Madrid, but the current expectation is that he will resume his individual work and remain in contention for the fixture.