Concern grows over Mbappe knee injury ahead of 2026 World Cup

Concerns are mounting over the fitness of French superstar Kylian Mbappé after reports emerged suggesting a knee injury sustained recently could be more serious than initially diagnosed.

The 25-year-old forward was originally assessed by the Real Madrid medical team, who classified the issue as a knee sprain. However, sources close to the player indicate that the injury may involve significant strain on the posterior cruciate ligament, with some reports suggesting the ligament is nearing its structural limit.

Medical experts have warned that rushing Mbappé back to competitive action could aggravate the condition. As a result, the former Monaco star is expected to undergo a cautious rehabilitation program, with estimates suggesting a recovery period of up to 100 days may be necessary for a full return to fitness.

The situation has reportedly sparked anxiety within both the Real Madrid dressing room and the French national team setup, as Mbappé remains a pivotal figure for club and country. His absence has already forced Los Blancos to rethink their attacking options in recent fixtures.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the priority for medical staff is to ensure the forward completes his rehabilitation safely and without setbacks. France will be heavily reliant on their captain and talisman should they hope to mount a strong challenge for the global title.

Mbappé is widely regarded as one of the most influential players in world football, and his potential unavailability would be a significant blow to Didier Deschamps’ plans for the tournament.