Mbappe to undergo knee injury assessment, no surgery planned

2026-03-02 - 19:38

By Adegboyega Adeleye Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is set to have further assessments on a knee injury but will not undergo surgery at this stage. The 27-year-old has been battling with an injury to the external ligament of his left knee since the end of 2025. The France International could not feature in last week’s Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica and has now travelled to Paris for more tests. He is also set to be absent for Madrid’s La Liga fixture with Getafe on Monday, as his availability for the Round of 16 UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City next week remains unclear. A bulletin from Mbappe’s representatives said he was in Paris with members of the Real Madrid medical staff. “In agreement with the club, he is undergoing further tests on his knee with the aim of optimising his follow-up care and preparing for his comeback,” said a statement. “No surgical intervention is being planned at the moment.” Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed last week that the decision to allow Mbappe time to get back to full fitness was a mutual one. “It was a bit of a consensus between everyone and we think the best thing is that he stops, that he recovers and comes back at 100%,” Arbeloa said. “It’s not going to be a question of days, it will be a bit longer, but I can’t say how long. Hopefully not too long Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in June 2024 after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired. He has scored 38 goals in 33 appearances for the club this season.