Real Madrid: injury concerns return despite relief over Mbappé

Real Madrid are once again facing the spectre of injuries. Mbappé’s left-knee problem, sustained on Friday with France in a Nations League match against Turkey, has nevertheless proved less serious than initially feared.

Following tests carried out on Saturday at Valdebebas, the French forward was diagnosed with hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee. His absence is estimated at around 15 days. Real Madrid expect him to be available for La Liga’s return, against Villarreal at the Bernabéu on October 10.

Already back in Madrid, Mbappé will continue his recovery in the capital. He joins an injury list that includes Militao, Rodrygo, Mendy, Fede Valverde and Konaté.

The club are relieved that Mbappé’s issue is not more serious, but concern is increasing over an international break that has already claimed its first two victims. Fifteen players were released to play several matches packed into a 10-day period, including 13 before the departures of Mbappé and Konaté.

The burden of travel is adding to those concerns. Vinicius and Endrick are on a tour with Brazil in Australia and India, while Brahim is due to join Morocco to face Lesotho. Those many travel hours affect players’ performance.

Last season, the team suffered 54 physical setbacks. Militao, Rodrygo and Mendy, who remain unavailable, had experienced the most serious cases.

Konaté left the France camp after suffering a minor right-knee sprain. The French defender has a problem similar to that of the number 10 and the same expected absence period; both he and Valverde are expected to be available when competition resumes, with the Clasico on October 25 on the horizon.

Upon his arrival, José Mourinho had identified the management of the treatment room as one of the main issues to address. He appointed Sandro Carriço, from Benfica, to lead sports science, an approach focused on injury prevention and the physical impact of accumulated exertion.

That structure appeared to be working: during the first months of the season, only Asencio and Thiago Pitarch, in addition to the players already mentioned, had visited the treatment room, allowing Mourinho to limit adjustments in training and to his tactical setup. That momentum is now under threat, while the Portuguese coach must also solve his team’s playing difficulties.