When will Kylian Mbappe return for Real Madrid after latest injury?

In a significant setback for Real Madrid, star forward Kylian Mbappe has been sidelined with a knee injury, casting a shadow over the club's return to competitive action following the winter break.

The

French international, who joined Los Blancos in a high-profile transfer last summer, sustained a sprained left knee during a training session on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Medical tests, including an MRI scan, confirmed a ligament issue that Mbappe has reportedly been managing for several weeks. Real Madrid issued an official statement acknowledging the injury but did not specify an exact recovery timeline, leaving fans and pundits anxious about the team's attacking options.

The injury is expected to keep Mbappe out for at least three weeks, a blow that comes at a critical juncture as La Liga resumes. This timeline means he will almost certainly miss Sunday's league fixture against Real Betis, as well as the upcoming Spanish Super Cup clash with city rivals Atletico Madrid on January 8. Further absences could include matches against Valencia on January 11 and potentially more, depending on his rehabilitation progress.

While the injury is not considered severe enough to require surgery, it underscores the physical toll on Mbappe amid a demanding season. The 27-year-old has been a key figure for Madrid, contributing 29 goals and 4 assists despite earlier fitness concerns.

When will Kylian Mbappe return to Action?

Progress on Mbappe's recovery is being monitored closely, with a potential return date tentatively set for January 25, when Real Madrid face an away trip in La Liga. However, this remains speculative and subject to medical evaluations.

The club is prioritizing a full recovery to avoid aggravating the ligament issue, which could extend his layoff if not handled cautiously.This latest injury adds to a challenging campaign for Real Madrid, who sit second in La Liga behind leaders Barcelona and are navigating a packed schedule across domestic and European competitions.