Real Madrid has begun 2026 with a significant setback as the Kylian Mbappe knee sprain injury has been officially confirmed. The French superstar, who recently tied Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year, is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks following a training ground incident on December 31, 2025.
The club issued a medical report stating that tests revealed a sprain in his left knee, though they did not provide a definitive timeline for his return. However, sources close to the player indicate that this Kylian Mbappe knee sprain injury will rule him out of Sunday’s La Liga clash against Real Betis and the upcoming Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. This is a massive blow for manager Xabi Alonso, who is reportedly facing pressure to secure a trophy in Jeddah to solidify his future at the Bernabeu.
Mbappe has been in sensational form this season, leading La Liga with 18 goals. His absence leaves a massive void in the Madrid attack as they prepare to face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup semi-finals on January 8. Medical staff are hoping the 27-year-old can recover in time for the Champions League showdown against his former club, AS Monaco, on January 20, but the priority remains a cautious rehabilitation to avoid long-term damage to his lateral ligament.
