Real Madrid have provided an update on Kylian Mbappe's ankle injury, suggesting the star striker will take part in France's upcoming international fixtures despite limping out of Los Blancos' 3-1 win over Villarreal. The 26-year-old scored his side's third goal of the game, before he was substituted in the 83rd minute after spraining his right ankle.
The latest on Mbappe's ankle injury
It appeared that Mbappe's injury was relatively serious. Just moments after finding the net, he went down in discomfort requiring immediate medical attention. After he was replaced by Rodrygo, Mbappe went straight down the tunnel to continue his treatment.
However, it would appear the ailment is not a massive cause for concern, as Sergio Quirante said on the game's broadcast: "It's not serious, just a knock to the ankle. He feels good. He'll most likely travel with France."
AdvertisementAFPAlonso coy on Mbappe's involvement with France national team
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Xabi Alonso was guarded about his star man's release for international duty. Los Blancos' manager did not provide a meaningful update on Mbappe or Franco Mastantuono's prognoses. The Argentinian wonderkid has picked up a slight hamstring tear. He was substituted in the 75th minute.
Alonso said: "We can't say if Mbappe and Franco won't be with the national team. Let's hope it doesn't go any further. I can't say anything right now."
In an interview with , Alonso had suggested Mbappe had entered the game with some discomfort in the ankle, however he also intimated that both Mbappe and Mastantuono could well be released for international duty.
"Kylian was already having ankle discomfort, and we'll see. Franco has a hamstring strain. We'll see how they progress with the national teams," Alonso claimed.
Mbappe's glittering start to 2025-26 season
The knock is maybe the first negative personal moment for the 26-year-old in what has been a blistering start to the 2025-26 season. Mbappe has scored in all but one of his competitive appearances for Los Blancos this term, bagging 14 goals in 10 games. That represents more than half of the team's 26 goals so far this season. He has been a force in the Champions League in particular, scoring both goals in Madrid's opening 2-1 win over Marseille, and bagging a hat-trick against over-matched minnows Kairat.
Those goals have fired Real Madrid to a solid start to life under Alonso, their chastening 5-2 defeat against inter-city rivals Atletico Madrid the only loss on their record in the new season. Mbappe's goal put the game to bed against Villarreal, after Vinicius Jr re-found his form to bag twice.
AFPFrance looking comfortable in World Cup qualifying campaign
Didier Deschamps has an embarrassment of riches to call upon in attack for his France side. The World Cup winning coach handed a first call-up to Crystal Palace marksman Jean-Phillippe Mateta, new Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike as well as regular contributors such as Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman. However, he will obviously want to include his best player and captain in Les Bleus upcoming World Cup qualifiers, especially given the ongoing absence of Ballon D'or winner Ousmane Dembele.
France currently sit atop of their group with a win over Iceland and Ukraine. They host Azerbaijan on Friday, before travelling to Iceland on October 13.