Uncertainty over Mbappé's recovery: three to twelve weeks
Kylian Mbappé injured his left knee when he scored France's 0-1 goal against Turkey in the Nations League. The striker left the field with his hand on the injured area and there was no contact with any opponent.
Specialists indicate that a tendon injury of this type usually requires between three and eight weeks of recovery. Real Madrid will carry out medical tests this Saturday at its Valdebebas training centre to determine the severity.
The French Federation confirmed the injury, ruled Mbappé out of the rest of the camp and sent him to Madrid for treatment. The decision coincided with Zinedine Zidane's debut as manager of the French national team.
Zidane explained that the injury was a hyperextension caused by the shot itself and admitted that it did not show a good prognosis. The definitive diagnosis will depend on the club's medical staff, who will assess the tendon damage.
Schedule and Absence Risks
The schedule works in its favour if the test confirms a simple strain, as the team's next match is on October 11 against Villarreal at the Bernabéu. An absence of two or three weeks would cast doubt on his availability for that fixture and for the Champions clash against Roma on October 14.
Mbappé is injured after scoring France's only lead in Turkey
If the injury were of moderate grade, he would also miss the match against Sevilla on October 18. The more serious scenarios would extend the absence into November and December, jeopardising several Champions League rounds.
History of Knee Injuries
Real Madrid announced on December 31 a similar injury in the same left knee; Mbappé returned earlier than expected, but had to stop again at the end of February. He did not reappear until March 17 against Manchester City, after almost a month out.
That injury was a ligament injury, whereas the current one affects the tendon, and the joint's history has been influencing the striker's case for nine months.
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With the goal against Turkey, Mbappé has accumulated 67 goals in 107 appearances for the French national team.
Saturday's medical examination will decide what position the national team will be in the standings and how many October matches will be played without him.