Real Madrid have received a welcome boost on the injury front, with Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate both expected to recover in time for the club’s return to action against Villarreal.
According to COPE, the French duo is being given recovery periods of between 10 and 15 days, which puts both players in contention for the October 10 fixture, although their availability from the start will depend on how their recoveries progress.
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Mbappe picked up the problem while representing France after scoring in the 1-0 victory over Turkiye on Friday.
The forward was forced off shortly after finding the net, prompting immediate concern given his importance to both club and country.
Real Madrid later confirmed the diagnosis following medical tests at Valdebebas, stating,
Mbappe was injured against Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“Following tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee.”
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The club did not put a precise return date on the injury, but indications from within Real Madrid pointed towards an absence of around two weeks.
That timeline would allow Mbappe to work towards the Villarreal fixture rather than facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Konate also returned early from international duty after suffering a problem in his right leg. Real Madrid subsequently confirmed the injury but once again did not reveal its severity or provide a recovery estimate.
The initial expectation, though, is that the issue is minor. That is particularly important because Real Madrid are once again dealing with mounting injuries.
Konate returned to Madrid without even playing. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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With club football scheduled to resume on October 10, the reported 10 to 15-day recovery window gives both Mbappe and Konate a realistic chance of being involved.
Getting the pair back into the squad would be a significant boost, but there is little reason for Real Madrid to rush either player.
Mbappe’s knee problem needs to be handled carefully, while Konate’s return will also depend on his response to training.
Hence, even if both are declared fit for Villarreal, their minutes could be managed, meaning that the pair might not start the game right away.
