A Doctor Does Not Rule Out Kylian Mbappé for the Spanish Super Cup Final
His absence raises questions, but the door is not closed. As the Super Cup unfolds, the final could still feature one of its biggest stars.
The injury shaping the Super Cup narrative
The Spanish Super Cup gets underway in Saudi Arabia, but one of the tournament’s biggest storylines revolves around Kylian Mbappé. The Real Madrid star remains sidelined with a knee injury, a setback that has kept him out for nearly a month and sparked concern among supporters.
Mbappé’s absence from the semi-final is significant, not only because of his individual impact but also due to the timing. With the first trophy of the year at stake, Madrid know that having—or missing—their marquee signing could dramatically alter the balance of the competition.
A knee issue that requires careful management
The problem dates back to late December, when Mbappé was unable to complete a training session without any clear contact. Medical assessments pointed to a left knee sprain, an injury that is not considered serious but does demand caution to avoid further complications.
Inside the club, patience has been the priority. Mbappé has not been rushed back, with the medical staff closely monitoring his progress in a congested calendar where any misstep could have consequences well beyond the Super Cup.
Medical insight without alarm
One of the most referenced opinions came from Pedro Luis Ripoll, a renowned knee injury expert with extensive experience in elite football. Speaking in Spanish media, Ripoll explained that Mbappé’s injury does not appear severe and highlighted that this type of issue often involves short recovery periods, particularly for top-level athletes.
Ripoll also emphasized a key contextual factor: 2026 is a World Cup year. With the global tournament approaching, both clubs and players are carefully managing recovery timelines, ensuring that physical condition is preserved for the long-term objectives.
The final remains a realistic scenario
Nothing is guaranteed, but Mbappé’s participation has not been ruled out. Should Real Madrid reach the final—scheduled for Sunday, January 11—the French forward could still be an option, depending on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.
For now, Mbappé remains sidelined, but his name has not been crossed off the Super Cup script. In a competition often decided by fine margins, even a late return could prove decisive.
