Mbappe dismisses false claims of Real Madrid medical blunder
France captain Kylian Mbappe has hit out at “false” reports claiming Real Madrid’s medical staff examined the wrong knee during a diagnostic assessment of his recent injury.
Speculation intensified this week following reports from French media outlet RMC Sport suggesting the 27-year-old was left “furious” after club doctors allegedly scanned his healthy right leg instead of his injured left knee in December.
The reports claimed the oversight allowed Mbappe to continue playing with a partial ligament rupture, unknowingly aggravating the issue before seeking a second opinion in Paris. However, speaking ahead of France’s international friendly against Brazil, Mbappe moved to quash the rumours.
“The information saying that they examined the wrong knee is not true,” the forward told reporters.
“I may be indirectly responsible because when you don’t speak to the media, everyone takes advantage of the situation; that’s how it is. We have always had clear communication with Real Madrid.”
A lot of frustration and anxiety
The injury, which sidelined the striker for 54 days—the longest absence of his career—had sparked concerns over his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbappe admitted the layoff had been mentally taxing but insisted he is now back to “100% fitness” after making substitute appearances in the Champions League against Manchester City and the Madrid derby last Sunday. “There was a lot of frustration, anger, and anxiety,” he said. “But that is behind me now. I have recovered 100%. I had the opportunity to receive a thorough diagnosis in Paris, and together with the club, we drew up a plan to get back to my best form.”
Analysis: A department under the microscope
While Mbappe has publicly backed the club, the reports have added to the scrutiny facing Real Madrid’s medical department. The club has undergone significant internal restructuring over the last 18 months, including the return of former head doctor Dr Niko Mihic last summer. Similar allegations have surfaced regarding teammate Eduardo Camavinga, with reports in L’Equipe suggesting a separate diagnostic error involving the midfielder’s ankle.
Despite the off-field noise, Mbappe’s on-field numbers remain peerless. He has netted 38 goals in 35 appearances this season, a tally surpassed only by Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane across Europe’s top five leagues.
France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed the captain is expected to lead the line in Thursday’s clash at Gillette Stadium as Les Bleus ramp up their World Cup preparations.
