Mbappé’s Villarreal Target Depends on Knee Recovery

Kylian Mbappé trained individually on Monday, 5 October, in an effort to recover from a left-knee injury and join Real Madrid's match against Villarreal on Saturday, 10 October. The forward is not yet cleared to play and his availability is contingent on the progress of his rehabilitation. Mbappé's injury occurred while scoring a goal for France against Turkey on 25 September; he was subsequently examined in Madrid and diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee.

Real Madrid's medical team has not provided a timeline for his recovery. Mbappé's work on Monday included gym exercises, physiotherapy, and on-pitch activities. His participation in the Villarreal fixture is not a confirmation of his return to full training or full fitness. Villarreal faces five matches in October, including a Clásico against Barcelona on 25 October.