Mbappé Sidelined With Knee Sprain, Dealing Blow to Real Madrid’s Title Push

Real Madrid have confirmed that Kylian Mbappé has suffered a sprain to his left knee, a setback that could significantly impact their chase of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said medical tests had revealed the injury and that the forward’s condition would be monitored over the coming days, without offering a return timeline. However, a source close to the France international told AFP that Mbappé is expected to be out for at least three weeks.

The injury puts the 27-year-old in serious doubt for Sunday’s home league clash against Real Betis, Madrid’s first match after the winter break. Carlo Ancelotti’s side currently trail Barcelona by four points in the title race.

Mbappé could also miss a string of key fixtures, including:

• The Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia on January 8

• A La Liga match against Levante

• A Champions League encounter with Monaco, his former club

Real Madrid have not disclosed how or when the injury occurred. Mbappé trained fully with the squad on Tuesday before undergoing an MRI scan the following day.

Stellar Form Interrupted

The setback comes after an exceptional year for Mbappé. In 2025, he matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year, often carrying Madrid’s attack and easing pressure on head coach Xabi Alonso.

Since joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago, Mbappé has scored 73 goals in 83 appearances. He finished last season as La Liga’s top scorer with 31 goals and has already netted 18 league goals this campaign, holding a seven-goal lead over Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.

Injury Woes Mount

Mbappé’s absence compounds Madrid’s growing injury list. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Federico Valverde are all sidelined, while Brahim Díaz is unavailable after joining Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations.

With decisive fixtures looming, Real Madrid now face a critical stretch of the season without their most influential player.