Kylian Mbappé gave Real Madrid a scare, but medical exams showed there’s no serious injury to his right ankle. His substitution at the end of the match against Azerbaijan, during World Cup Qualifying, set off alarms in Madrid. After all, the French star is a central piece of the 2025/26 season. But his early return to Spain had an immediate effect: the club ran tests, breathed a sigh of relief, and is now working with the possibility of having him back in training as soon as next week. The issue wasn’t ignored, but for now, it’s far from a drama.
France releases, Real Madrid reacts quickly
Mbappé asked to be substituted in the 82nd minute of France’s win over Azerbaijan. He had taken a knock to his right ankle, the same area that had already been monitored because of a recent trauma. He tried to keep going, but the pain got worse.
The French federation decided to release him from traveling to Reykjavik, where the national team will face Iceland, and the forward immediately returned to Madrid to be evaluated by Real Madrid’s medical department. The initial tests found no structural damage. The recommendation now is pain management and reevaluation in the coming days. The club is optimistic: if there’s no setback, he could return to training next week and be on the field against Getafe.
The stretch that keeps everyone on alert
The relief in Madrid doesn’t erase the concern. The season is entering a stretch where any absence matters. Xabi Alonso’s team faces Getafe next Sunday, then hosts Juventus on October 22 in the UEFA Champions League and closes the month with the clásico against Barcelona on October 26 at the Santiago Bernabéu. These three consecutive matches can directly influence the LaLiga title race and the team’s position in the Champions League.
Mbappé has scored 14 goals in 10 matches for Real Madrid this season and has found the net in five consecutive games for France. That’s why every step of his recovery will be closely monitored. The ankle doesn’t have a lesion, but it carries a recent history of knocks. The club wants its main player on the field without taking unnecessary risks.