Mbappé Refutes Allegations of Misdiagnosed Knee Injury at Real Madrid
Mbappé refutes claims of a medical mistake at Real Madrid, stating that injury management was straightforward and recovery is progressing as planned.
Kylian Mbappé has refuted claims that his knee injury was misdiagnosed, following allegations that Real Madrid’s medical team mistakenly assessed the incorrect knee while trying to address the issue.
A journalist from France’s RMC Sport, along with various Spanish media outlets, reported on Tuesday that the club did not identify a partial ligament tear in his left knee in December, as they mistakenly performed a scan on his healthy right knee instead.
Mbappé participated in three matches prior to the official confirmation of his injury, with Madrid releasing a medical report on December 31 that diagnosed a knee sprain. This month, an update was provided following the forward’s trip to Paris for a second opinion, which determined he would be sidelined for over three weeks.
“It is not true that [Madrid] examined the wrong knee,” Mbappé stated on Wednesday, while representing France in preparation for a friendly match against Brazil. “I may hold some indirect responsibility for the situation, as a lack of communication regarding what you have and what is happening allows for interpretation, prompting everyone to rush to fill in the gaps.”
“Throughout my time with Real Madrid, our communication has been consistently clear, whether during my rehabilitation in Madrid or while I was in Paris. In Paris, I was supported by the doctor, a physiotherapist, and the club’s physical trainer, and we worked together effectively, so there are no issues regarding that.”
“We find ourselves at a crucial juncture in the season.” The team has been performing admirably in my absence. When I was injured, I was unavailable, and people assumed I was the sole solution, but that wasn’t the case. The team is what truly matters.
Mbappé first sustained the injury during a match against Celta Vigo on Dec. 7, yet he still played in three games before the end of 2025 against Alavés, Talavera, and Sevilla before the sprain was confirmed.
Following a brief appearance in the Supercopa de España, he made his return to the field in multiple matches during January and February. Real Madrid subsequently indicated that discussions with French medical experts reinforced the “conservative treatment” strategy implemented by the club.
After a period of rest, Mbappé returned as a substitute in last week’s Champions League second leg against Manchester City and also featured in the weekend derby against Atlético Madrid.
“I’ve never been someone, either as a person or as a player, who lives with regrets,” Mbappé stated. “I concentrate on the here and now, as well as what lies ahead in the near future.” At this moment, I feel great, particularly regarding both my knees, which holds significance for me. That is in part due to my club, which has looked after my fitness well.
“I’m truly delighted to be present, ready, and in excellent shape.” I am prepared to compete [against Brazil] and to begin if necessary.
Earlier this week, the captain of France also informed Spanish outlet AS that “some false things have been said” concerning the knee injury that restricted his recent participation for Real Madrid.
