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Is Kylian Mbappe Playing Tonight for Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 9:09 AM ET

Real Madrid will play Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal. This is the second Madrid derby of the season, and both teams will look to advance to the Spanish Super Cup Final.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have very few injuries, and both teams will almost have a full squad ready for this matchup.

One big concern for Real Madrid fans is Kylian Mbappe's injury, who suffered a knee sprain. Mbappe trained with the team during the last few days of 2025 but suffered this injury.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid trains at Valdebebas training ground on December 29, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

Mbappe missed Real Madrid's match against Real Betis over the weekend in La Liga but was at the Santiago Bernabeu supporting the team. After the match, the Real Madrid team travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.

Kylian Mbappe won't play vs Atletico Madrid

Kylian Mbappe will not play against Atletico Madrid since the French star did not travel with the rest of the team due to a knee sprain.

Mbappe is expected to be out for three weeks, which not only rules him out of the semifinal against Atletico Madrid, but also a potential Spanish Super Cup Final against FC Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Mbappe wished the best to his teammates as they headed to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.

Mbappe wrote, "Good Luck team! I trust 1000% that we will triumph. HALA MADRID! Onto the Supercopa."

: Kylian Mbappé on Instagram after missing the Spanish Super Cup through injury:

"Good luck, team. I trust 1000% that we will triumph. HALA MADRID! Onto the Supercopa." pic.twitter.com/bQx0zodXuk
— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) January 7, 2026