Star forward Kylian Mbappé is facing growing concern over a persistent knee injury that has sidelined him from key matches with Real Madrid and raised questions about his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sources report that the 27-year-old has been dealing with ongoing discomfort in his left knee since late 2025, forcing him to miss several fixtures, including Champions League and league games.
Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappé was absent from a recent lineup due to persistent pain and has been undergoing treatment. Medical staff are reportedly prioritizing his long-term recovery to avoid worsening the injury, especially with the crucial World Cup less than five months away.
Reports indicate that a rest period of around 10 days has been recommended, but there’s concern that his recovery timeline could extend into March if improvement is slow, potentially affecting both club and national team plans. The French federation and club are said to be cautious about rushing him back to action.
Could Mbappé miss the World Cup because of this injury?
At this stage, officials say his World Cup spot is not yet in jeopardy, but ongoing issues and careful management will be crucial to ensure he’s fully fit when the tournament begins.
As one of France’s biggest stars and top contenders to lead Les Bleus at the World Cup, his fitness status will remain closely watched over the coming weeks.