Striker Kylian Mbappe continues to complain of knee pain and remains a doubt for Real Madrid's match against Levante this Saturday, according to recent reports.
The French striker suffered the problem in early December, but despite the discomfort decided to play to follow Cristiano Ronaldo's record of goals in a calendar year, eventually equaling the Portuguese with 59 goals.
However, towards the end of the month, the Madrid club confirmed that Mbappe would need time off to recover.
Initially, a three-week recovery period was set, making it almost certain that he would miss the Spanish Super Cup. However, he returned earlier than expected, coming off the bench in the final loss to Barcelona, less than two weeks after his initial diagnosis.
According to "Marca", Mbappe has continued to train with the group, but after being rested for the Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete, he is still feeling discomfort in his knee.
The striker has been recalled for the match against Levante and coach Alvaro Arbeloa has insisted that his condition has improved.
"His condition is better," Arbeloa declared, leaving open the possibility of cautious activation.
However, reports suggest that Mbappe's role could be limited in the coming weeks. The exact extent of the current concern is unknown, but there is a belief within the club that he has not aggravated his knee injury and simply needs a little more time to fully recover, as initially predicted.
According to "L'Equipe", Mbappe himself has admitted that rushing to return may not have been the wisest decision.
"I knew I was taking a bit of a risk, but I don't regret it, because I wanted to help Real Madrid win a trophy against Barcelona," he is reported to have said.
In this context, it is said that Mbappe could be rested against Levante and even miss the following match against Monaco, only to return later in the month, on the road against Villarreal.
Protecting the French star's fitness will be key for Real Madrid, even if it means a short-term blow to Arbeloa.Telegrafi
