Madrid's Bold Gamble: Mbappé's Slow-Motion Return to the Front Line
6 January 2026
Injury update and Real Madrid's cautious plan
Real Madrid's medical team has ordered a conservative rehabilitation for French forward Kylian Mbappé to ensure a full and lasting recovery from his knee issue.
According to AS, Mbappé will miss all matches of the Spanish Super Cup, as the club prioritizes health over a rushed comeback.
What this means for Madrid and the Super Cup
The decision to slow down his return comes after a left knee ligament twist, requiring a careful step-by-step approach to guarantee a peak return rather than a pale imitation.
There is no fixed return date yet, and Mbappé could travel with the squad to Saudi Arabia purely for moral support, while the training plan focuses on gradual running and rest without risking the knee.
Madrid notes this is a major setback, the 23rd this season, prompting a reassignment of medical staff and questions about the squad's overall injury burden.
Humor aside, two light quips: if patience were a sport, Madrid would win the league every season; Mbappé's comeback is moving slower than my Wi-Fi on a Friday.
