Kylian Mbappé’s decisive night for France ended with a worrying walk towards the tunnel, but Real Madrid’s first medical update has eased the fear of a long absence. The forward scored the only goal in France’s 1-0 Nations League win in Turkey before leaving the pitch with a left-knee problem.
The move
Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappé has suffered a hyperextension affecting the posterior capsule of his left knee. The club did not set an official timetable for his return after tests carried out at Valdebebas on Saturday.
Mbappé remained at the training complex for less than 30 minutes as doctors assessed the injury. Initial concern in Madrid had centred on a possible cruciate-ligament rupture, making the diagnosis considerably more encouraging for the Spanish club.
The France captain was hurt around the hour mark after scoring in Turkey. He initially tried to continue, but was eventually replaced by Désiré Doué.
France coach Zinedine Zidane made clear after the match that no chances would be taken with Mbappé, who was sent back to Madrid for examinations.
He will miss France’s next three Nations League fixtures. Reports in Spain have suggested an absence of roughly 10 days, with Mbappé targeting a return for Real Madrid’s La Liga meeting with Villarreal on 10 October.
The French season around it
The injury interrupts another international window in which Mbappé carried France’s attacking responsibility as captain, delivering the goal that settled the match in Turkey.
- Kylian Mbappé: France captain and match-winner against Turkey, now ruled out of the next three Nations League games.
- Désiré Doué: the French player introduced when Mbappé could not continue.
- Zinedine Zidane: France coach who insisted that Mbappé would not be risked.
For France, the immediate task is to negotiate the remaining Nations League matches without their captain. For Mbappé, the focus has shifted to recovery in Madrid and the possibility of returning when Villarreal visit on 10 October.
