Real Madrid receive clarity over Mbappé's feared knee injury

Real Madrid have received clarity over Kylian Mbappé's injury. The French star forward has suffered a strain to the posterior capsule of his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for two weeks.

Real Madrid have now officially confirmed the diagnosis. It means the damage is far less severe than first feared, when a longer lay-off was being considered.

Mbappé picked up the injury during France's Nations League match against Turkey. The forward scored the only goal of the game, but hurt his knee in the act of scoring. With no contact from an opponent, fears quickly grew that it could be a serious injury.

The Real Madrid superstar initially tried to carry on. Five minutes later, that was no longer possible and Désiré Doué replaced him.

Speaking after the match, national coach Zinédine Zidane had already said that Mbappé would leave the France squad. "He is not doing well. We are not going to take any risks. He suffered a knee injury when striking the ball and the situation does not look good enough for him to continue."

Mbappé will therefore miss France's remaining internationals in this international break. He will not feature in the Nations League matches against Belgium and will also be absent against Italy.

For Real Madrid, though, the definitive diagnosis will come as a huge relief. It means Mbappé's involvement in El Clásico against FC Barcelona on 25 October no longer appears to be under threat.