Mbappe's Knee Injury Could Sideline Real Madrid's Star - How Long Will He Be Out?

Real Madrid hit the emergency button as star striker Kylian Mbappé worsened a knee problem that sidelines him for multiple crucial matches the 15-time European titleholders desperately need to win.

The French sensation began 2025–26 in spectacular fashion, finding the net against virtually every team he encountered for both his club and national squad. However, accumulating extensive playing time across a demanding fixture list for Los Blancos and France eventually took its toll on Mbappé in December.

The 27-year-old picked up a knee problem that turned out more severe than initially anticipated, troubling the striker throughout the past eight weeks. Mbappé battled through the discomfort, but now faces an extended absence, depriving Real Madrid of their top scorer during a pivotal period of the campaign.

The Games Kylian Mbappé Will Miss for Real Madrid

The Games Kylian Mbappé Will Miss for Real Madrid

Real Madrid haven't provided a specific return date for Mbappé, though initial reports suggest the France star will be absent for at least the next three fixtures for Los Blancos. The first is the vital second leg of the Champions League knockout phase playoffs versus Benfica on Wednesday evening.

Following that, the Spanish powerhouse returns to La Liga duty against Getafe on Monday. While the fixture shouldn't pose major difficulties for Álvaro Arbeloa's squad, particularly at the Bernabéu, their attacking potency becomes notably weakened without Mbappé, alongside the sidelined Jude Bellingham.

The subsequent weekend brings a journey to Celta Vigo. Los Blancos already endured a 2–0 loss in the earlier meeting, despite Mbappé playing the full 90 minutes. Another mishap could harm the club's pursuit of the Spanish title.

Whether Mbappé will heal and return for the Champions League round of 16 remains uncertain—assuming Real Madrid progresses beyond Benfica. The Frenchman will probably undergo a final fitness assessment to determine his availability for the first leg, where the 15-time European champions will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP.

*Potential Champions League round of 16 match should Real Madrid advance in the competition.

How Mbappé's Knee Injury Could Impact France's World Cup Preparations

How Mbappé's Knee Injury Could Impact France's World Cup Preparations

If Mbappé requires additional recovery time beyond initial projections or encounters complications during his rehabilitation, the France skipper could become questionable for the March international break. Les Bleus are scheduled to face World Cup preparation matches against Brazil and Colombia.

Confronting two South American giants will provide an excellent examination for a France squad typically accustomed to European opposition. A meeting with the Seleção, in particular, will match Didier Deschamps's team against some of the planet's finest talents, including Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Alisson.

Missing Mbappé for those encounters wouldn't be catastrophic since they're merely international friendlies. However, it would compel France to deploy an improvised attack rather than gaining crucial experience with their World Cup regulars spearheading the offensive line.

Even if Mbappé heals in time for the international fixtures, both France and Real Madrid may prefer to exercise restraint and restrict the striker's playing time to safeguard him for the season's closing stages and this summer's competition.