Kylian Mbappé has denied reports suggesting that Real Madrid’s medical staff mistakenly examined the wrong knee when assessing his recent injury.
Earlier this week, a journalist from France’s RMC Sport—later cited by several Spanish media outlets—claimed that Madrid had overlooked a partial ligament tear in Mbappé’s left knee in December, allegedly scanning his healthy right knee instead.
Mbappé, however, clarified the situation while on international duty with France ahead of a friendly against Brazil. “The claim that they checked the wrong knee is false,” he said. “I may have contributed indirectly by not fully communicating about my condition, which sometimes leads to misinterpretation, but there was always clear communication with Real Madrid.”
He added that his rehabilitation, whether in Madrid or Paris, was carefully managed alongside the club’s medical team, physiotherapists, and trainers. “The team has been performing well in my absence, and while people may have thought I was indispensable, the team’s success has never relied on just one player.”
The 2025 injury occurred during a match against Celta Vigo on December 7. Despite the discomfort, Mbappé played three additional games against Alavés, Talavera, and Sevilla before Real Madrid officially confirmed a knee sprain at the end of December. After seeking a second opinion in Paris, he was sidelined for over three weeks, returning as a substitute in last week’s Champions League match against Manchester City and the weekend’s derby versus Atlético Madrid.
Mbappé emphasized his focus on the present and his fitness, saying, “I don’t dwell on regrets. Right now, both my knees feel strong, and I’m fully available. I’m happy with the club’s care, and I’m ready to play against Brazil.”
Earlier, he also told Spanish outlet AS that some of the recent reports about his injury were inaccurate, stressing that he had never experienced any mismanagement regarding his treatment.
