Kylian Mbappe's Injury Misdiagnosis at Real Madrid Raises Concerns
Misdiagnosis of Mbappe's Injury
Kylian Mbappe's knee injury saga at Real Madrid has taken an unexpected twist, as reports indicate that the club's medical team mistakenly performed an MRI on the incorrect leg. This error not only delayed the accurate diagnosis but also allowed the star forward to continue playing despite being injured. As reported by a leading sports outlet, the 27-year-old had an MRI on his right knee in December, which was not the source of his issues. Consequently, he participated in three matches before the error was discovered, all while exhibiting signs of inflammation in his left knee, which was the actual site of the injury.
After the correct knee was scanned, it was found to have a partial tear of the posterior ligament. On December 31, Real Madrid released a medical report confirming this diagnosis, although they referred to the injury more generally as a knee sprain. The circumstances surrounding the initial mix-up remain unclear, and both the club and Mbappe's representatives have chosen not to comment on the matter.
The first signs of trouble emerged on December 7, during a La Liga match where Madrid lost 2-0 to Celta Vigo. Sources from the coaching staff noted that Mbappe sustained a blow to his knee in that game. Just three days later, he was an unused substitute in a Champions League match against Manchester City, but he went on to play full matches in the final three games of 2025, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 59 goals in a calendar year.
Upon returning to training after the Christmas break on December 30, Mbappe was observed holding his left knee while consulting with medical personnel. The following day, the club confirmed the injury and outlined a conservative recovery strategy. He subsequently missed the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia but made a brief appearance in the final against Barcelona on January 11, playing the last 14 minutes of a 3-2 loss. He later participated in eight of the next ten matches, scoring nine goals, before his last appearance on February 21.
New head coach Alvaro Arbeloa emphasized a cautious approach regarding Mbappe's recovery. "We’re taking it day by day," he stated ahead of a March 2 match against Getafe. "It depends on how he’s feeling. We want him back at 100 percent." Mbappe missed that game and four others in the subsequent period, eventually traveling to Paris for further evaluations and treatment, accompanied by the club's medical staff.