La Liga: Mbappe’s knee injury false, says Madrid coach

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has officially dismissed recent reports of a fresh knee injury for Kylian Mbappé as "absolutely false information," urging fans and the media to focus on the striker's upcoming performances.

As of Friday, April 3, 2026, here is the context surrounding this controversy:

The "False Information" Controversy
The Allegation: Reports from French outlet RMC Sport and L'Équipe recently alleged that Real Madrid’s medical staff had committed a major blunder by scanning Mbappé's right knee instead of his injured left knee back in December. This supposedly led to a misdiagnosis that delayed his recovery.

Arbeloa’s Response: During a press conference today, Arbeloa (who is now managing the first team) stated: "Kylian has been very clear about this: the information was completely false. It’s time to put his knee issue behind us and focus on his objectives."

Player's Stance: Mbappé himself had already dismissed these rumors last week, calling them "false things" and confirming that he is now pain-free and ready for the final stretch of the season and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Current Status of Kylian Mbappé
Return to Action: After a 54-day absence earlier this year—the longest of his career—Mbappé has returned to the squad. He featured as a substitute in the Champions League against Manchester City and played over 25 minutes in the recent 3-2 derby win over Atlético Madrid.

Availability: He is expected to be in the starting lineup for Real Madrid’s match against Mallorca tomorrow, Saturday, April 4.

Season Stats: Despite the injury spell, Mbappé remains Real Madrid's top scorer this campaign with 38 goals in 34 appearances.

Broader Medical Concerns at Madrid
While the coach has denied the Mbappé rumors, the club’s medical department remains under heavy scrutiny. Similar allegations were made regarding Eduardo Camavinga, with reports suggesting he also suffered a misdiagnosis on an ankle injury earlier this season. Additionally, the club is grappling with the confirmed loss of Rodrygo, who suffered a severe ACL rupture and will miss the remainder of the season and the 2026 World Cup.