Drama at Real Madrid: Mbappé ruled out of the Super Cup

Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid could play for the first title of the season without their top scorer and main star. The 'Merengue' medical services confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is suffering from a sprain in his left knee and would be out for around three weeks, meaning he will certainly miss the first match of 2026, against Betis (Sunday) and, probably, the Spanish Super Cup.

The whites will face Atlético de Madrid next Thursday in Jeddah (January 8) and, if they defeat the 'colchoneros', the final will be on Sunday, January 12 against the winner of the first tie, between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club (January 7).

Barring a miracle, 'Kiki' would be out for both matches and the Copa del Rey round of 16 tie, on January 13, 14, or 15 with an opponent to be confirmed in next Tuesday's draw

When will Kylian Mbappé play again for Real Madrid?

Kylian Mbappé celebrating his goal against Barça

The medical statement from Real Madrid, although it does not detail the recovery time for the French international, confirms the left knee injury of the forward, which had already been causing him problems since early December.

Mbappé remained on the bench in the Champions League defeat against Manchester City (1-2) due to discomfort in the area. However, he reappeared in the league against Alavés (1-2) and subsequently played the full 90 minutes in the Copa del Rey against Talavera (2-3) and against Sevilla in the last match of the year (2-0).

Doctors reportedly advised the '10' to rest, but Kylian, eager to match Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 59 goals in a calendar year with Madrid, preferred to play all three matches. Although he left for the Christmas break without any injury, he relapsed with his discomfort this week upon returning to training.

According to information leaked by 'L'Equipe', **Mbappé felt pain in his knee when trying to accelerate during a run**. For this reason, he was sent to the infirmary and, on Wednesday, the sprain was confirmed, which will likely keep him out of action until the third week of January.

If the initial forecasts are confirmed, 'Kiki' would miss four or five official matches with Real Madrid, including the Spanish Super Cup, two league matchdays, and a Copa del Rey match. The 'merengue' goalscorer could reappear on **January 20**, against **Monaco** for matchday 7 of the Champions League at the Bernabéu.

Xabi Alonso, on the Verge of Definitive KO Without Mbappé

By then, Madrid could have another coach. And it is that, if Xabi Alonso fails in the Super Cup, it is very likely that Florentino Pérez will fire the man from Tolosa. The defeats in the League against Celta (0-2) and Champions against **City** (1-2) left the coach on the verge of KO, beyond having won his last three games of 2025

The 'merengues' ended the year 4 points behind Barça and showing a very poor image, with total dependence on Kylian Mbappé's goals and some refereeing favors to resolve matches

It's no wonder the '10' has scored 29 goals in 24 games this season, 8 of them from penalties. 'Kiki' scored 55.76% of the team's goals (52) and, adding his assists (5), the Frenchman's involvement in the 'Merengue' goals is 65.38% in the first half of the 25/26 season.

In that sense, the drama for Xabi Alonso's team is total for the start of the year. With Endrick Felipe loaned to Lyon, the coaching staff will have no choice but to bet on Gonzalo García as the '9'. The academy player was a standout in the Club World Cup with 4 goals, but he hasn't scored with the first team since then

Real Madrid Upcoming Matches - January 2026