Real Madrid’s forward Kylian Mbappe is determined to refrain from returning to competitive play until he is fully fit after sustaining a knee injury. The French international may miss the upcoming home match against Levante in La Liga this Sunday.

In his first outing of 2026, he appeared as a substitute in the Supercopa de Espana, where Real Madrid fell 3-2 to Barcelona. Despite this early return, Mbappe has expressed that he will not jeopardize his health in the future.

Mbappe to sit out for Real Madrid until fully fit

According to reports from L’Equipe, Mbappe could be unavailable for facing Levante and his status for the upcoming Champions League match against Monaco remains uncertain. The player aims to resume play only once he feels completely ‘free of discomfort’ in his knee.

Following an MRI scan on December 31 that prompted him to cut his recovery period, Mbappe participated in the Supercopa final just eleven days later, a game that ultimately ended Real Madrid’s aspirations under former coach Xabi Alonso. His replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, has also struggled, losing 3-2 to Albacete in his coaching debut.

Mbappe has ’no regrets’ despite injury complications

Mbappe reportedly holds ’no regrets’ regarding his choice to participate in the Supercopa final, acknowledging the significance of the match. However, he remains unwilling to take risks as the crucial season progresses, particularly with the World Cup approaching in the summer where he hopes to triumph with France once more.

Even though forecasts suggest that Mbappe will not be ready to confront Levante this weekend, Arbeloa affirmed during a press conference that his star player would at least be part of the squad against the team currently placed 19th in La Liga. “He’s better and he’ll be in the squad,” he stated without further details.

Arbeloa on the recent shocking defeat

Arbeloa addressed the fallout from the previous loss stating: “I’m not unaware of everything being said. What transpired in Albacete was due to various issues for which I am accountable. We will work with Antonio Pintus to restore our players’ optimal condition.”

Future outlook for Mbappe

All eyes are on Arbeloa to see if he will field Mbappe against Levante on Saturday, contrary to the player’s desires according to rumors. Mbappe voiced that it wasn’t wise to shorten his recovery time and intends to keep track of his fitness before deciding to return. Unless setbacks occur, he is expected back on the field before January closes, with matches against Monaco on January 20, followed by clashes with Villarreal and Benfica.