Kylian Mbappe return gives Real Madrid a timely lift before Oviedo

Kylian Mbappe is back in full group training for Real Madrid, which is the main positive ahead of Thursday night’s visit to Oviedo. He completed the whole session without visible problems, including sprint work, shooting drills and physical duels. The catch is obvious enough, because Madrid still do not know if he is ready to start.

What Mbappe’s return actually means

The French forward was forced to stop in the closing stages of the final training session before El Clasico after feeling discomfort in his hamstring area. He then did not board the flight to Barcelona with the rest of the squad on the morning of the match. That is why his return to full work matters, but it does not remove the caution.

Jose Luis Sanchez of El Chiringuito TV told madriduniversal.com that Real Madrid are becoming increasingly optimistic Mbappe will be available for the upcoming clash against Real Oviedo after showing encouraging signs in training. Sports Mole struck a more guarded note, saying Mbappe has returned to training after a hamstring problem, but his availability for Thursday remains to be seen. The sensible read is that he is on course to be in the squad, while a start would still be a decision to manage rather than a certainty.

Madrid still have plenty to juggle

Even with Mbappe trending back, Real Madrid are still carrying a long injury list. The preview names seven absentees: Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Arda Güler and Daniel Carvajal. That leaves Carlo Ancelotti with enough selection problems to keep the shape of the team uncertain, even against a side that is already down.

Oviedo are the first team to be officially relegated to the second division and sit on 29 points from 35 outings. They come into this match after a 0-0 draw with Getafe, despite going down to nine men. That is not the sort of opponent Madrid should fear, but the bigger issue here is still their own availability picture.

Mbappe’s numbers underline why Madrid want him back quickly. He has 15 Champions League goals in 11 appearances, and his 7.6 La Liga rating shows he has been producing at a high level domestically as well. If he is cleared to play, Madrid gain a major attacking option. If they hold him back for another game, the squad still looks thin.

For now, the update is simple: Mbappe trained fully, Madrid are encouraged, and Thursday’s line-up still needs a final call.