Kylian Mbappé Returns to Valdebebas After Days of Controversy

The French star is back in Madrid and has taken another step in his recovery, although the unusual nature of his return to the training ground once again drew attention.

Mbappé Returns to Valdebebas — but Trains Alone

Kylian Mbappé returned to Valdebebas on Monday after spending several days outside Spain. His comeback, however, did not coincide with the rest of the Real Madrid squad: the Frenchman trained alone in the afternoon.

According to AS, Mbappé landed in Madrid at 11:16 a.m., with the first-team session having started at 10:30. Cameras from El Chiringuito captured his arrival at Barajas before the forward headed home.

His work at the training ground had been scheduled for later in the day. At around 5:00 p.m., Mbappé arrived at Valdebebas and completed a session combining gym work, physiotherapy, physical exercises on the pitch and light ball work.

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The Injury Was Less Serious Than First Feared

Mbappé suffered the injury 10 days ago while playing for France in Turkey. An awkward plant as he struck the ball caused immediate discomfort in his left knee and initially raised concerns.

Even Zinedine Zidane admitted after the match that the injury did not look good. Mbappé later left the France camp and returned to Madrid for medical tests.

Those examinations ultimately ruled out a more serious problem. According to AS, the diagnosis was a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee, with an estimated recovery time of 10 to 12 days.

France and Switzerland Fueled the Controversy

The recovery process, however, has not been free from noise. In the days after his medical tests, Mbappé spent time outside Spain while continuing to work with physiotherapists.

He was first spotted in France with his partner before later traveling to Switzerland. His appearance at a nightclub and, later, a social media post showing him riding a bicycle sparked criticism among some Real Madrid supporters.

Throughout that period, the forward has continued following the rehabilitation plan set by Real Madrid’s medical staff, including controlled physical work and cardio exercises. Monday’s session now represents another step toward his return.

Villarreal Comes Into View

The signs surrounding Mbappé’s recovery are positive, and he is targeting Saturday’s match against Villarreal.

It remains to be seen how his knee responds in the coming training sessions and whether the forward can fully rejoin the group before the game.

For now, the main development is that Mbappé is back in Madrid and back on the grass at Valdebebas. After several days in which almost everything he did away from the field became a talking point, the Frenchman is beginning to move closer to where he wants to be most: back on it.

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Kylian Mbappé’s Return

Mbappé returned to Valdebebas and completed an individual recovery session.
The Frenchman suffered a hyperextension in his left knee and has been out for 10 days.
Positive signs keep alive the possibility of a return on Saturday against Villarreal.