Real Madrid are treating Kylian Mbappé's knee problem as a short-term setback, with reports saying he is expected to miss Villarreal on October 10 and the club are targeting Barcelona on October 25 for his return. Mbappe has 7 goals and 2 assists in La Liga this season, so the temptation to hurry him back is obvious. Madrid do not sound interested in that.
Madrid's recovery plan
Foot Mercato reported that the club's medical department diagnosed hyperextension of the posterior capsule of the left knee and said his condition would be closely monitored. Zinedine Zidane called it a "small problem," while another report said the layoff could be 10 to 12 days, with others putting it at one to two weeks.
That range fits the broader picture around Madrid's handling of the issue. Foot Mercato also said the player had been in Paris, and that his trip had been approved rather than treated as a problem in itself.
Why Barcelona is the target
The more important detail is the game Madrid are trying to protect him for. Barcelona are top of La Liga with 21 points from 7 games, while Madrid are fourth with 15 points from 7 games.
Mourinho is reported to prefer the cautious route, which makes sense when Mbappe has already posted 10 goals and 4 assists across all competitions in 8 appearances. Madrid can survive one league match without him. The point is to have him back when the Clasico arrives.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
