Mbappe's Recovery Will Be Lengthy, are Real Madrid's Chances Increasingly Slim?

MADRID, TUESDAY – Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has just undergone a series of medical examinations in Paris and has been confirmed to have a sprained left knee, Tuesday (2/3/2026). Mbappe will undergo "conservative treatment" rather than surgery for his recovery.

Although not undergoing surgery, Mbappe's injury recovery will take a considerable amount of time. Madrid's interim coach, Alvaro Arbeola, stated that Mbappe's recovery process will require a significant duration and cannot be completed in just a few days.

Mbappe has been complaining of discomfort in his knee since December 2025 and has missed several matches. This discomfort has developed into pain, causing Mbappe to be absent from the last two matches against Benfica and Getafe.

"After tests conducted on our player, Kylian Mbappe, by a French specialist doctor, under the supervision of Real Madrid's Medical Services, a diagnosis of a sprain in his left knee has been confirmed, and he will undergo conservative treatment. His progress will be monitored," wrote a spokesperson for Real Madrid on their official website.

Arbeola stated that his club has a very clear policy to address the issue concerning Mbappe. Previously, Madrid had attempted to manage Mbappe's knee problem by resting him for the Champions League match against Manchester City in December, the Supercopa de España semifinal in January, the La Liga match against Real Sociedad in February, and the second leg of the playoff last week against Benfica.

"There was a kind of mutual agreement between everyone (Mbappe, the coach, and the doctors), and we think the best thing is for him to rest, recover, and come back at 100 percent. It's not a matter of a few days, it will be a little longer, but I can't say how long, hopefully not too long," Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa told Movistar television last weekend.

The uncertainty regarding when Mbappe will return to the green field casts doubt on Madrid's chances of pursuing the La Liga title. Doubts about Madrid have intensified following Los Blancos' defeat in their last match against Getafe.

Without Mbappe, Real Madrid struggled to score despite having many clear chances in front of goal. Lacking an effective goal-scoring machine, Madrid ultimately lost 0-1.

Throughout this season, Mbappe has consistently "carried" Madrid, scoring 23 goals in 23 appearances, making him the top scorer in La Liga to date. Mbappe's skill in scoring goals is unmatched by any Madrid player. Vinicius Junior, who partners with Mbappe, has only scored nine goals so far.

With the defeat to Getafe, Madrid falls four points behind their eternal rival, Barcelona. Arbeola has a tough task ahead to assemble an effective front line even without Mbappe, so that Madrid can maintain consistent victories, while hoping that Barcelona stumbles again.

In the next three weeks, Madrid will face challenges from Celta Vigo, Elche, and Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Madrid will have a tough match against Manchester City in both the first and second legs.

The two Champions League matches are important for Madrid if they wish to open up opportunities to win major trophies this season. This makes Arbeola's task even more challenging, as the second-tier forwards available to Madrid do not possess quality on par with Mbappe. (AFP)