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A<\/span>s the 2026 World Cup<\/strong> approaches, anticipation is building across the global football landscape. But for France<\/strong>, that excitement is now accompanied by a growing sense of unease. According to reports, national team officials fear that Real Madrid<\/a><\/strong> star Kylian Mbappe<\/a><\/strong> could arrive at the tournament managing an injury.<\/p>\n The concern stems from a lingering issue in Mbappe<\/strong>‘s left knee. Since December, the Real Madrid<\/strong> forward has reportedly been dealing with inflammation in a ligament.<\/p>\n Over the past six weeks, reports suggest Mbappe<\/strong> has been playing “on one leg,” a striking characterization for a player whose game is built around pace and sharp directional changes.<\/p>\n Mbappe<\/strong> is now set to undergo an accelerated treatment program designed to prevent further damage or the possibility of surgical intervention, per L’Equipe. <\/p>\n Real Madrid returns to the spotlight after losing to Osasuna and leaving their fans wanting more<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n As part of that process, he is expected to miss at least three matches for the LaLiga<\/strong> club. The absence will allow medical staff to evaluate how his knee responds to rest and rehabilitation. <\/p>\n The priority, both for club and country, is clear: ensure he is fully fit for the World Cup in less than four months’ time. But the clock is ticking for the 27-year-old.<\/p>\n Mbappe<\/strong>‘s importance to France<\/strong> cannot be overstated. <\/p>\n Following the international retirement of Antoine Griezmann<\/strong>, Mbappe<\/strong> assumed the captain’s armband and became the undisputed focal point of the national side. <\/p>\n His leadership and attacking output are central to Les Bleus’ ambitions. The upcoming World Cup<\/strong> group stage presents a challenging path. <\/p>\n France<\/strong> is set to face Norway<\/strong> and Senegal<\/strong>, with the possibility of drawing playoff qualifiers such as Bolivia<\/strong>, Iraq<\/strong>, or Suriname<\/strong>. <\/p>\n Navigating that group without a fully fit Mbappe would significantly alter the team’s tactical balance and psychological edge.<\/p>\n While Real Madrid<\/strong> has not released an official medical statement detailing the severity of the injury, the signs have been visible. <\/p>\n Mbappe<\/strong> missed several training sessions and was absent for key fixtures, including a match against Real Sociedad<\/strong>. <\/p>\n Though he completed 90 minutes against Osasuna<\/strong> and later against Benfica<\/strong> in Lisbon, observers noted clear physical limitations in his performances.<\/p>\n For a player whose explosiveness is integral to his effectiveness, even a marginal drop in physical sharpness can be decisive.<\/p>\n Acceleration – particularly over the first few meters – is often the difference between creating separation and being contained by defenders at the highest level.<\/p>\n Compounding matters for Real Madrid<\/strong>, Mbappe<\/strong>‘s situation is not occurring in isolation. <\/p>\n lvaro Arbeloa<\/strong> has also dealt with the absences of Dean Huijsen<\/strong>, Jude Bellingham<\/strong>, der Milito<\/strong>, Dani Ceballos<\/strong>, and Rodrygo<\/strong>, the latter suspended in Champions League play. <\/p>\n Squad rotation and depth management have therefore become critical considerations. For France<\/strong>, however, the equation is simpler and more urgent. <\/p>\n Mbappe<\/strong> represents not only a primary goal-scoring threat but also the emotional heartbeat of the team. With the World Cup<\/strong> drawing nearer, every update on his knee will be scrutinized.<\/p>\n The next few weeks will determine whether this discomfort is a manageable setback or a looming crisis. <\/p>\nA pivotal figure for France<\/h2>\n
Madrid’s injury list piles up<\/h2>\n