El Clásico: Why Mbappé is a doubt for the La Liga cracker
By Joel Masibo, September 27, 2026Kylian Mbappe is facing a spell on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed the nature of the knee problem he suffered while playing for France, with the first leg of the 2026/27 El Clásico around the corner.
The France captain scored the only goal as his side defeated Turkey 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday night, September 25, 2026.
Mbappe found the net in the 54th minute, but his evening ended prematurely after he appeared to pick up an injury and began struggling to walk comfortably.
France manager Zinedine Zidane subsequently withdrew the Real Madrid forward, raising concerns over the extent of the problem.
Zidane later admitted that the situation surrounding Mbappe was worrying, with fears initially emerging that the injury could keep the Ballon d’Or contender out for an extended period.
Real Madrid have now provided further details following medical examinations conducted on the 27-year-old.
Real Madrid confirm Mbappe’s knee problem
The Spanish giants announced that Mbappe had suffered an injury involving the posterior capsule of his left knee.
“After the tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by Real Madrid’s Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee,” a club statement read.
The club did not specify exactly how long Mbappe would be unavailable.
However, reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicated that the injury is not expected to keep the striker out for a prolonged period.
Mbappe is therefore likely to miss France’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Belgium and Italy during the current international window as he concentrates on recovering from the problem.
Could Mbappe return for El Clasico?
The latest assessment will come as a relief to Real Madrid, particularly with a demanding run of matches approaching.
A recovery period of around two weeks could give Mbappe a chance of returning for Madrid’s La Liga meeting with Villarreal on October 10, 2026.
His availability for the Champions League fixture against Roma shortly afterwards could depend on how quickly he regains full fitness.
The biggest target, however, will be the first El Clasico of the campaign against Barcelona on October 25, 2026.
Provided his rehabilitation continues without complications, Mbappe is expected to have enough time to recover ahead of the eagerly anticipated encounter.
Real Madrid have already fallen six points behind Barcelona after seven league matches, increasing the importance of the meeting between the two Spanish heavyweights.