Mbappe's Injury Blow: Which Crucial Real Madrid Clashes Hang in the Balance?

Real Madrid has been hit by the injury bug once more in 2025 as star forward Kylian Mbappé suffers a physical setback.

With a pivotal stretch approaching in the new year where Madrid will battle for trophies and embattled coach Xabi Alonso will struggle to keep his position, losing their dynamic French striker represents the most devastating blow possible.

Mbappé has delivered outstanding performances for Los Blancos throughout this campaign and has arguably saved Alonso's job with his consistent match-winning strikes. Without the 27-year-old's contributions, Madrid would have found themselves in extremely dire circumstances this season.

The club must now adapt to playing without Mbappé, who faces an extended period away from action.

When Will Mbappé Return From Injury?

Mbappé's injury was discovered on New Year's Eve, confirming the striker is dealing with a persistent knee problem. After undergoing an MRI examination, ligament damage was detected, sidelining him for at least three weeks.

Mbappé had been competing despite discomfort in recent fixtures and has now accepted a period of rehabilitation. Madrid will greatly miss their primary scorer, though they're determined to prevent further complications to the injury.

The three-week recovery period suggests Mbappé could return by late January—during which Madrid face at least seven fixtures—but he'll be unavailable for several important encounters across four separate tournaments.

Which Real Madrid Games Will Mbappé Miss?

Alonso finds himself lamenting his unfortunate injury situation again as Mbappé prepares to miss a vital sequence of matches for the Spanish manager and team. Should his layoff last only three weeks, the French star should return against Villarreal (A) in La Liga on Jan. 25.

Nevertheless, he'll be absent for at least five matches and possibly six, beginning with the domestic league encounter against Real Betis (H) on Jan. 4. More significantly, Mbappé will be unavailable for the Spanish Super Cup, which represents a vital competition for Alonso. They face their semifinal in Saudi Arabia versus Atlético Madrid on Jan. 8, potentially meeting either Athletic Club or Barcelona in the final three days afterward if they advance.

Following their return from the Middle East, they must navigate their Copa del Rey round of 16 encounter against an undetermined opponent. The draw occurs on Jan. 7.

Levante (H) follows in La Liga as Madrid attempt to reduce the deficit to league leaders Barça, before Mbappé will probably miss a meeting with his previous club Monaco (H) in the second-to-last Champions League league phase match.

The Real Madrid Matches Mbappé Could Miss

*Dependent on Real Madrid's progression in the Supercopa de España.