Real Madrid have been dealt a major blow after superstar forward Kylian Mbappé aggravated a lingering knee injury, sidelining him at a critical point in the season.

The French star began the 2025–26 campaign in sensational form, scoring consistently for both club and country. However, the demanding schedule with Real Madrid and the French national team appeared to take its toll late last year. Mbappé initially suffered the knee issue in December, and what first seemed minor has persisted for nearly two months.

Although the 27-year-old attempted to play through discomfort, the club has now opted to shut him down temporarily — leaving Los Blancos without their leading scorer during a pivotal stretch.

Matches Mbappé Is Expected to Miss

Real Madrid have not confirmed an official recovery timeline, but early reports suggest Mbappé will miss at least the next three fixtures.

The first is a crucial Champions League knockout playoff second leg against Benfica. Shortly after, Madrid return to La Liga action at home against Getafe. While that matchup appears manageable on paper, the team’s attacking edge is noticeably reduced without Mbappé — especially with Jude Bellingham also dealing with injury concerns.

A tougher test follows with a trip to Celta Vigo. Madrid lost the reverse fixture 2–0, even with Mbappé playing the full match. Dropping more points could significantly impact their La Liga title ambitions.

His availability for a potential Champions League round of 16 clash remains uncertain. If Madrid advance past Benfica, they would face either Manchester City or Sporting CP — two opponents that would demand Mbappé at full strength. A late fitness test could determine whether he is ready in time for that stage.

Potential Impact on France

Beyond club football, Mbappé’s injury could also affect France’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Les Bleus are scheduled to face Brazil and Colombia during the March international window — valuable high-profile friendlies ahead of the tournament.

While missing those matches would not be catastrophic, it would prevent France from building chemistry with their expected starting lineup. Didier Deschamps may choose to manage Mbappé’s workload carefully even if he recovers in time, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term appearances.

With both Real Madrid and France counting on him heavily, the coming weeks will be crucial. The club will likely take a cautious approach to ensure their star forward is fully fit for the decisive months ahead.