Kylian Mbappé is expected to be back as soon as Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona on January 11, 2026, but his return is still not 100% guaranteed and depends on how his knee responds in the next days.

What’s going on with Mbappé?

  • Mbappé is out with a sprain in his left knee, detected around the end of 2025 and managed carefully since.
  • He has already missed Real Madrid’s first LaLiga game of 2026 against Real Betis and the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atlético Madrid because of this issue.
  • Medical staff are being cautious because rushing him back could turn a short layoff into a longer-term problem.

When will Mbappé be back?

  • Current reporting from Madrid-based and international outlets says his possible return date is January 11, 2026, for the Spanish Super Cup final vs Barcelona.
  • Real Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso has said Mbappé is feeling better, training, and that his chances of playing the final are similar to the rest of the available squad, which suggests he is very close to a return but not fully guaranteed.
  • Officially, the club list him as a “minor doubt,” meaning fans should expect a late decision based on how his knee reacts to training sessions.

What to watch for next

  • Team news and the matchday squad list for the Super Cup final will be the clearest signal: if he’s in the squad, there is a realistic chance he at least gets some minutes.
  • If there is any setback in training, the club is likely to prioritize his long‑term fitness and instead target his return for later January LaLiga or Champions League fixtures, rather than forcing him into one match.

In short: for anyone asking “when will Mbappé be back?” , the best current answer is “very soon, probably around the Spanish Super Cup final on January 11, if his knee responds well.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.