Real Madrid expect Mbappe fit for Barcelona Clásico after knee scare
Real Madrid expect Kylian Mbappe to be available for the first Clasico of the season after examinations confirmed that his left-knee injury is less serious than initially feared.
The 25-year-old returned to Spain after coming off early while playing for France against Turkey in Kocaeli. Concerns had centred on a possible major ligament injury, but scans identified a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee rather than a ligament tear.
The issue is expected to require around 10 to 12 days of rest, with Madrid planning a cautious return to full first-team work over the following two weeks. The approach is intended to avoid a recurrence of the knee trouble that affected Mbappe’s level last season.
Mbappe is therefore likely to miss the forthcoming La Liga meeting with Villarreal and could also be absent for the Champions League away match against Roma. However, he has almost a month to prepare for Barcelona’s visit on October 25, when the teams meet at Spotify Camp Nou.
His availability would be significant for Jose Mourinho’s side. Mbappe has opened the campaign with eight goals across his first eight competitive appearances as Madrid seek to retain their domestic and European crowns.
France concern eased by Madrid diagnosis
The forward had scored the decisive goal for France before sustaining the injury while striking the ball. He was unable to continue, prompting France head coach Zinedine Zidane, taking charge from the dugout for the first time, to voice immediate concern.
Zidane said Mbappe was “not in a good state” and that France would not take risks with him. He explained that the striker had hurt his knee when shooting and said the early signs were not encouraging enough for him to remain involved.
France subsequently released Mbappe from the squad, allowing him to return to Valdebebas for specialist treatment rather than stay for the upcoming fixtures against Belgium and Italy.
Konate also undergoing rehabilitation
Madrid’s defensive options remain under scrutiny, with Ibrahima Konate also withdrawing from the France squad because of a ligament problem in his right knee. The centre-back has returned to Valdebebas to begin rehabilitation.
There is hope that Konate, like Mbappe, could be ready for selection once the international break has ended. Madrid’s medical staff are working towards having both players available for a demanding spell featuring league matches against Sevilla and Villarreal as well as key Champions League group-stage ties.
