Kylian Mbappe’s Paris appearance raises questions over Real Madrid injury

Kylian Mbappe has returned to Real Madrid for treatment after suffering a knee injury with France, but his unexpected appearance in Paris has prompted questions in Spain over the seriousness of the problem.

The France captain will miss his country’s Nations League meeting with Italy on Friday evening. The match will be Zinedine Zidane’s first in France as national team manager.

Mbappe scored the winning goal against Turkey last Friday before leaving the pitch with an injury. Real Madrid later issued a statement after its medical team examined the forward.

“After the examinations carried out today by Real Madrid’s medical team on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with a tear to the posterior capsule of his left knee. His condition will be monitored closely,” the club said.

Real Madrid did not specify how long Mbappe would be unavailable, which is usual when the club announces an injury. Spanish media reports have suggested different recovery periods, with some predicting an absence of two weeks and others saying he could be out for only 10 days.

AS reported that Mbappe had avoided the worst-case scenario of a serious injury requiring surgery. The former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain player nevertheless appears to be recovering well.

His condition reportedly surprised Real Madrid, who had expected to be without him for several weeks. The club and Jose Mourinho are still considering alternative options in case the forward does not recover fully, although neither is said to be unhappy with the situation.

Spanish television programme El Chiringuito provided a further update on Thursday, reporting that Mbappe had not visited Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground during the previous two days, despite being injured and requiring treatment.

One guest on the programme said: “It is puzzling. He arrives injured from France but does not receive treatment in the city where he plays.”

El Chiringuito supported its report with video footage and photographs, claiming that Mbappe was in Paris with his girlfriend, Ester Exposito. The sighting has caused considerable discussion in Spain.

It is not the first time Mbappe’s travel arrangements during an injury have attracted attention. His trip to Sardinia while injured last season led to similar surprise.

It remains unclear whether Mbappe had permission from Real Madrid and the club’s medical staff to be in Paris, although that is considered likely. His appearance has nevertheless provided fresh ammunition for those who accuse him of exaggerating or pretending to be injured.

El Chiringuito TV posted on 1 October 2026: “Mbappe, injured and in Paris.” Marcos Benito had reported that the forward had not been to Valdebebas for the previous two days.