When Kylian Mbappe limped off the pitch in the 83rd minute of France’s 3-0 triumph over Azerbaijan, the collective gasp from fans in Paris all the way to Madrid was impossible to ignore. The French captain and Real Madrid superstar, just 26 years old, had been dazzling all evening—scoring the opener, notching an assist, and running circles around defenders in the 2026 World Cup Qualifier on October 10, 2025. But as he clutched his right ankle, the same one that had troubled him just a week earlier in La Liga action against Villarreal, questions swirled. Would this be a minor setback, or a major blow for both Les Bleus and Los Blancos?
The French Football Federation (FFF) wasted no time in addressing the situation. In a statement released the following day, the FFF clarified, “Kylian Mbappe suffered a blow to his right ankle and was forced to leave the match against Azerbaijan on Friday evening in Paris.” The news that followed was bittersweet. While France, runners-up at the 2022 World Cup and now boasting a perfect record in Group D, could afford to rest their talisman for the next qualifier, Real Madrid faced a far more anxious wait for updates.
“Upon the French delegation’s return to Clairefontaine, the French team captain spoke with Didier Deschamps. He will not be able to play Monday in Reykjavik against Iceland. The national coach has confirmed his withdrawal. Kylian Mbappe has been released to his club and will not be replaced,” the FFF reported. That meant Mbappe would miss France’s upcoming trip to Iceland on October 13, 2025, and would return to Madrid for further evaluation.
For French fans, the absence of Mbappe in Reykjavik was softened by the team’s commanding position in their qualification group. They had won all three matches so far, with Mbappe’s latest goal bringing his international tally to 53 in 93 appearances—just four shy of Olivier Giroud’s all-time record. Even more remarkable, the goal against Azerbaijan marked the tenth consecutive game in which Mbappe had scored for club and country, bringing his season total to a staggering 17 goals. It’s a run of form that has made him indispensable for both France and Real Madrid.
But for Madridistas, the concern was palpable. This international break has been unkind to the Spanish giants. Alongside Mbappe’s injury, attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono and defender Dean Huijsen both withdrew from their respective national teams with muscle issues. Mastantuono, just 18, suffered his injury during Madrid’s win over Villarreal on October 4 and subsequently missed Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela. The club’s growing injury list couldn’t have come at a worse time, with a gauntlet of fixtures looming: Getafe on October 19, Juventus in the Champions League on October 22, and the season’s first El Clasico against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.
According to Marca, Real Madrid’s frustration bubbled over behind closed doors. “Mbappe left the France camp due to the same injury he had when he arrived,” the Spanish outlet reported. “His condition may have worsened, as he now feels more pain than when he left Madrid to join France.” The paper highlighted the tension between club and country, noting that Madrid had warned the French federation about Mbappe’s delicate condition before the break. However, there was “no clear agreement regarding his minutes,” and despite training minimally throughout the week, Mbappe played nearly the entire match against Azerbaijan. The situation sparked internal debate, with Madrid reportedly feeling their warnings went unheeded.
The big question on everyone’s mind: just how serious is Mbappe’s injury? The answer, thankfully for Madrid, appears to be reassuring. After flying back to the Spanish capital, the superstar underwent medical tests at Valdebebas, Real Madrid’s training complex. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, “Kylian Mbappe completed tests this morning and his ankle injury’s not seen as serious or worrying. Real Madrid staff expect Mbappe to be available for the upcoming week.” The club’s medical staff compared the knock to a recent incident involving defender Eder Militao—a painful but ultimately non-serious blow that required only short-term rest.
Madrid is taking no chances, though. With the Getafe fixture fast approaching, the plan is to monitor Mbappe closely and manage his workload. There’s no desire to risk aggravating the injury, especially with Champions League and El Clasico showdowns on the horizon. Club sources have indicated that, barring any setbacks, Mbappe should be able to train with his teammates next week and could feature in the crucial run of matches ahead.
Meanwhile, Franco Mastantuono’s situation is also being watched carefully. The 18-year-old, who has made nine appearances for Madrid this season, will undergo further assessment upon his return from international duty. Like Mbappe, early indications are positive, and the hope is that Mastantuono will avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Dean Huijsen, another promising talent, is also on the mend after withdrawing from his national team with a muscle strain.
For France, the loss of Mbappe for a single qualifier is hardly catastrophic. The team’s depth and form mean they remain favorites to top their group and secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. For Real Madrid, however, every match counts. With the La Liga title race heating up and European ambitions in full swing, the health of their marquee signing is paramount. The timing of the injury scare, sandwiched between critical domestic and continental fixtures, only adds to the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso and his medical staff.
Mbappe’s resilience has never been in doubt. His return to training so soon after the scare is a testament to both his physical robustness and the careful management by club and country. Still, the episode has reignited the perennial debate over player welfare during international breaks—an issue that continues to vex Europe’s elite clubs. Madrid’s internal frustration, as reported by Marca, underscores the delicate balancing act between national pride and club priorities, especially when it comes to superstars like Mbappe.
As things stand, Real Madrid fans can breathe a cautious sigh of relief. Their talisman’s injury is not as bad as initially feared, and all signs point to a swift return to action. But with a packed schedule and the specter of further injuries always looming, the next few weeks will be a true test of depth, management, and luck for the Spanish giants. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on Mbappe—his recovery, his records, and his relentless pursuit of greatness, both in the white of Madrid and the blue of France.
With France’s perfect start to World Cup qualifying intact and Real Madrid’s biggest fixtures just around the corner, all eyes will be on Mbappe’s next move. Will he pick up right where he left off? Only time—and perhaps a little luck—will tell.
