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A fresh report from Mundo Deportivo has added tension to the situation surrounding Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid.
According to the outlet, there is a growing feeling within certain sections of the club that the French forward may have one eye on the upcoming FIFA World Cup rather than being fully locked in on Madrid’s season.
It must be noted that Mbappe has rarely been out of the headlines in recent weeks, but not always for the right reasons.
Last week, Arbeloa publicly stated that Mbappe was fit. However, later that same afternoon, reports emerged that the striker would miss the following day’s clash with Benfica.
The uncertainty deepened when the official squad list was released, and Mbappe’s name was absent.
Frustrating time at Real Madrid
Within the club, frustration reportedly grew over the leak to the press. Arbeloa’s comments before and after the Benfica game suggested that the issue was more than simple discomfort.
What is beyond doubt is that Mbappe is currently sidelined. The club has avoided setting a firm return date, instead speaking in cautious terms about how the player “feels.”
Mbappe has been struggling with a knee problem. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, we have reported before that he may not return until the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Manchester City on March 17.
The timeline of this knee problem adds further concern, as Mbappe first suffered a sprain on December 7.
He briefly returned, but was forced to stop again. He only resumed playing on January 14 and has featured regularly since – until now.
So what now?
Importantly, surgery has been ruled out, largely because of the approaching World Cup and that decision has sparked quiet debate inside Madrid.
While Mbappe continues to seek second medical opinions in search of a solution, some within the club are questioning whether the global tournament is influencing his choices.
For now, the focus remains on recovery. But there is no denying that the situation has created tension.