Mbappé in Valdebebas a month after the Clasico, FIFA evaluates compensation
Kylian Mbappé suffered a new injury to his left knee during France’s 1‑0 victory over Turkey, and on Saturday he will travel to Valdebebas for medical examinations, less than a month before the Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Diagnosis and medical tests
According to the official statement, the injury was described as a left‑knee tendon injury. The player was injured while scoring the only goal of France’s 1‑0 victory over Turkey and, after trying to continue, was substituted. The federation noted that the injury occurred due to a hyperextension during the shot.
The same left‑knee structure caused him problems during the 2025/26 season, keeping him out for almost three months between December and March. The Spanish club diagnosed a sprain on December 31 and confirmed the same diagnosis on March 2. Since then, the forward has alternated between appearances and periods of rest.
The problems began after the league match against Celta on December 7, which prevented him from playing three days later against Manchester City in the Champions League. He returned to competition, but missed the league game against Betis and the Super Cup semi‑final against Atlético de Madrid. He reappeared on January 11 in the final against Barcelona, but was absent again in the Cup tie against Albacete and in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City.
Reactions from the French leadership
Zinedine Zidane, in his debut as manager, warned after the match: “For Kylian, unfortunately, he doesn’t look very good. He has felt pain in the knee. We will not take any risk with him.” The coach emphasized the need for caution.
Mbappé is injured after scoring France's only lead in Turkey
The French Federation shortly thereafter confirmed a tendon injury and announced that Mbappé would leave the training camp to receive treatment in Madrid. The statement, according to Reuters, indicates that the forward will return to Valdebebas for the scheduled examinations this Saturday.
Consequences for Real Madrid and the Clasico
Real Madrid has the calendar set for October 25, when it will visit Barcelona in the Clasico. With only a month’s notice, the club has not yet defined a period of absence for the striker.
According to FIFA’s Player Protection Programme, the club will start receiving compensation if the absence exceeds twenty‑eight days, from October 23 onward. The maximum amount is €7,500,000, calculated with a daily rate of up to €20,548 and an annual cap of €80 million.
Zidane’s alarm over Mbappé’s knee fuels Real Madrid worries
The tests scheduled for today in Valdebebas should clarify the severity of the injury and the recovery time. Until the verdict is known, Mbappé’s availability for the showdown at the Camp Nou remains uncertain.