Real Madrid faces a period of tactical adjustment as Kylian Mbappe hit the “pause” button on his season.
The French superstar, who has been battling persistent discomfort in his left knee since early December, has reportedly decided to stop playing through the pain and seek a more definitive solution to a problem that has lingered far longer than expected.
The issue traces back to a sprain suffered against Celta Vigo late last year. While Mbappe has shown flashes of his brilliance since then, he has often been the one deciding his own fitness levels match-by-match.
However, the situation reached a breaking point during Tuesday’s training session at Valdebebas, where the pain intensified ahead of the Champions League clash with Benfica, forcing him out of the squad.
Mbappe’s decision to halt his participation marks a shift from “managing pain” to “prioritizing recovery.” The club and the player are now focused on a diagnostic phase to pinpoint why the recovery hasn’t progressed as planned, especially with the business end of the season approaching.
Mbappe Takes Non-Surgical Route Amid Growing Fitness Concerns
The most significant hurdle in Mbappe’s recovery path is the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Any surgical intervention at this stage would almost certainly rule him out of the tournament with France—a risk the forward is currently unwilling to take.
Consequently, Mbappe has opted for a conservative treatment plan, focusing on physiotherapy and specialized recovery protocols rather than going under the knife.
This “middle ground” approach creates a cloud of uncertainty for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side.
While avoiding surgery keeps the World Cup dream alive, it leaves Real Madrid without a clear timeline for their star’s return.
The coaching staff has reportedly come to an agreement with the player: a premature return is no longer an option.
For Real Madrid, the goal is clear—they need Mbappe at 100% capacity, not a player compromised by recurring physical setbacks.
Until then, the leadership in the final third will fall to Vinicius Jr. and the rest of the squad as they navigate a crucial stretch of the campaign without their marquee summer signing.
