Mbappe Sidelined by Knee Injury in Blow to Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is facing a spell on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed a knee injury that will rule him out of action as the club returns from the winter break. The France forward, a constant presence this season, now begins a period of treatment and rest at a critical point in Madrid’s campaign.
The setback interrupts a prolific run that has seen Mbappe score 27 goals across La Liga and the Champions League since the start of the season. His absence will be felt immediately at Valdebebas, where Carlo Ancelotti’s side have relied heavily on his pace, movement, and end product in decisive moments.
Reports in the French press indicate Mbappe had been managing a knee ligament issue for several weeks, initially believing it to be minor. An MRI scan conducted midweek confirmed a ligament lesion that requires at least three weeks of recovery. The timing is significant, with Real Madrid preparing for domestic and international commitments that could shape the early months of 2026.
Warning signs had already appeared in recent fixtures. Mbappe was left on the bench as an unused substitute during Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Manchester City, a rare sight for a player accustomed to starting the biggest matches. Reduced acceleration and discomfort had begun to limit his influence, prompting medical caution.
Real Madrid later issued an official statement confirming a sprain in Mbappe’s left knee, noting that his progress will be closely monitored. Medical staff advised against pushing through the injury, stressing the importance of avoiding a more serious long term problem.
The diagnosis comes just days after Mbappe enjoyed a landmark moment at the Santiago Bernabeu. He scored a late penalty in a 2-0 win over Sevilla, calmly converting from the spot after Juanlu Sanchez brought down Rodrygo. Earlier, Jude Bellingham had opened the scoring, with Sevilla reduced to ten men following Marcao’s dismissal.
Mbappe’s goal, his 59th club strike of the calendar year, drew him level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebrated 2013 tally. The moment underlined his impact in his first full season in Madrid colors, even as physical limitations were beginning to surface.
The Bernabeu crowd had little sense that night of the news to come. Mbappe celebrated emphatically, but within days attention shifted from milestones to medical updates, as Madrid recalibrated their plans without their leading scorer.
Mbappe is now set to miss Real Madrid’s first competitive match of 2026 away to Real Betis, along with the Supercopa de Espana in the Middle East, where Xabi Alonso was hoping to claim his first trophy as head coach. With a semifinal against Atletico Madrid and a possible final against Barcelona looming, Madrid face a demanding stretch without their marquee forward, while the focus turns to ensuring Mbappe returns fit for the decisive stages of the season.