Kylian Mbappe suffers a knee sprain, likely missing three weeks, as Real Madrid chase Barcelona in La Liga and face key cup fixtures.
REAL Madrid confirmed star striker Kylian Mbappe has suffered a left knee sprain.
The club issued a statement on Wednesday saying the player is “awaiting evolution” following medical tests.
While Real did not specify a timeline, a source close to the player told AFP he is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks.
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The injury is a major setback for Los Merengues as they trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points.
Mbappe, the league’s top scorer this season with 18 goals, is a serious doubt for Sunday’s match against Real Betis.
He is also likely to miss the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid on January 8.
Further league and Champions League fixtures against Levante and his former club Monaco are also in jeopardy.
The club did not disclose when or how the 27-year-old sustained the injury, noting he trained with the team on Tuesday.
Mbappe underwent an MRI scan on Wednesday.
The French superstar has been in phenomenal form, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year in 2025.
His performances have often carried the team, easing pressure on coach Xabi Alonso.
Since joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago, Mbappe has scored 73 goals in 83 appearances.
He was La Liga’s top scorer last season with 31 goals, four ahead of Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
This season, he leads the scoring charts by seven goals over Barca’s Ferran Torres.
His absence compounds an injury crisis for Real Madrid.
Defenders Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also out.
Midfielder Federico Valverde is injured, while forward Brahim Diaz is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco. – AFP
