Kylian Mbappe insists knee injury 'doing well' as he reports for France duty before Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League quarter-final

React to this story

Kylian Mbappe has been sidelined for the past month with a left knee injury that raised concerns over how much of a part he would play in the season run-in for Real Madrid, as well as this summer’s World Cup in North America. But now the France forward has issued an update on the injury, insisting that he has made a ”step forward," as he gets set to return to international action.

Highlights: Man City see red as Real ease into quarter-final

Video credit: TNT Sports

Kylian Mbappe has issued an update on the persistent left knee injury which has kept the Real Madrid star sidelined for almost a month.

The Frenchman last started for his club on February 21 against Osasuna before seeking medical advice in Paris over an injury that has troubled him since the end of last year. He then returned to action off the bench in the UEFA Champions League win away to Manchester City last week.

Heading into the business end of the season, with Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich looming, Mbappe provided an optimistic assessment on his condition while reporting for international duty.

Transfers

Arsenal push to secure Guimaraes and Vinicius deals - Paper Round

8 hours ago

"My knee? It's doing very well," he explained.

"I know there's been a lot of speculation, a lot of things said, but none of them are true.

”That's the life of a top athlete and a public figure. You can say things without checking them and it's not a big deal, it never has any repercussions. I'm used to it.

Ekitike reveals ‘great things’ he learned from Messi, Neymar and Mbappe at PSG

Video credit: TNT Sports

”But it's fine, I've made a 100% recovery. I was lucky enough to get the right diagnosis when I returned to Paris and together we were able to find the best plan to get back to my best, to be in top form for the end of the season with Real Madrid and at the World Cup."

Mbappe could feature for Les Blues in friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in the next seven days.

Real Madrid next play Mallorca on April 4 before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

One of the reasons there was so much speculation around the nature of Mbappe’s injury was the fact he chose to go to Paris to have it assessed, rather than relying on Real Madrid to provide specialists.

But the 27-year-old explained the reasons behind that decision.

"During my stay in Paris a few weeks ago, I took this step because I wanted to know everything about my knee. I really wanted to be very thorough," he said.

”We were talking about the end of the season with Real Madrid, a World Cup, a career and even well-being. It was something that was bothering me. I really wanted to know what was wrong.

”I had quite a few tests done and appointments with competent people who gave me the opportunity to find out what was wrong. Just knowing is reassuring.

”I was in a situation where I didn't know why my knee was hurting. Just knowing gives you an idea - it's a step forward, a first step towards recovery."

Real Madrid sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona.

The club will be hoping Mbappe makes it through the two international friendlies in one piece, with a busy run in to the season as they attempt to wrest the title back from Barcelona - as well as challenge for their third Champions League title in five years.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Transfers