Real Madrid News
Real Madrid left with mystery over injured star’s two-day absence from Valdebebas
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe returned from international duty with France after suffering an injury against Turkey.
However, his recovery from injury has taken an unusual turn, with the Frenchman not attending the club’s Valdebebas training complex for the past two days.
The ideal scenario would have seen him return to the club and take part in recovery exercises, but that has not been the case.
Instead, he has been spotted in Paris.
Mbappe absent from Valdebebas
According to El Chiringuito journalist Marcos Benito, Mbappe returned from international duty with France carrying an injury but has not been seen at Madrid’s training facilities.
“Mbappe has not been to Valdebebas for the last two days,” Benito reported.
“It is a mystery. He comes back injured from France, but he is not recovering at the training ground.”
No explanation has been given for the Frenchman’s absence, but with the injury expected to be minor, it has raised eyebrows.
🚨 MBAPPÉ, LESIONADO Y EN PARÍS.
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) October 1, 2026
‼️ @marcosbenito9 adelantó que no ha ido a Valdebebas los últimos dos días. pic.twitter.com/uGNkIRr1xY
Madrid already have several fitness problems to manage and would ideally want their star striker to be fit and ready to go at the end of the international break.
Another injury concern for Mourinho
Mbappe is one of six Real Madrid players currently dealing with physical problems alongside Fede Valverde, Ibrahima Konate, Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy.
Madrid’s injury record has already become a significant concern this season. Mourinho’s side have suffered nine injuries at this stage of the campaign, matching their total from the same point last season.
Despite the Portuguese tactician’s clear emphasis on improving the injury record at the club, the start has not really suggested anything different from previous seasons.
Madrid are due to return to La Liga action against Villarreal on 10 October, giving the Frenchman some time to recover before Mourinho’s team resume their domestic campaign.
Madrid need clarity
When Mbappe went down the way he did against Turkey, everyone feared the worst possible outcome.
However, it was later confirmed that the Frenchman had narrowly escaped a serious injury that would have required surgery.
For now, the complete focus has to be on Mbappe making a 100 percent recovery and returning to action as soon as possible.
A lethal goalscorer for Mourinho’s team who has been in form since the start of the season, it remains to be seen how Mbappe’s recovery plays out.
Real Madrid News
Villarreal captain defends referee after Vinicius red card and takes swipe at Mourinho: ‘He did that with us at Tottenham too’
Villarreal captain Juan Foyth has defended referee Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos following the controversy surrounding Vinicius Jr.’s red card in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory.
The Argentine defender believes the official handled a difficult match well and considers the decision to dismiss the Brazilian correct under the rules.
The result was overshadowed by Vinicius’ sending-off after he pulled Nathan Saliba’s hair, with VAR intervening after the incident initially went unnoticed.
The decision prompted furious protests from the Real Madrid forward and sparked debate over the referee’s handling of the match.
Foyth, however, offered a different perspective after the final whistle, arguing that the constant pressure placed on officials can make an already demanding job even harder.
Juan Foyth backs referee over Vinicius red card
Speaking after the match, Foyth defended Diaz de Mera and highlighted the difficulty of officiating a high-intensity encounter.
“I think he did a good job. Obviously, if you spend the whole match complaining about every little thing, whatever it may be, asking for a yellow card, asking for a card.
“I think the referee is only human too and can make a mistake,” he said, as per Defensa Central.
Foyth also addressed the incident involving Vinicius, distinguishing between the Brazilian’s intentions and the punishment required by the rules.
“I think that, at the very least, the decision to show Vinicius a red card was correct according to the rules. I don’t think he meant to cause harm, but well, it’s a red card.”
Foyth questions Mourinho’s approach to refereeing pressure
Foyth was also asked about Jose Mourinho, whom he knows from their time together at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Villarreal captain was reluctant to fuel a dispute but suggested that the Portuguese manager’s public approach to pressure was familiar.
“I’m not going to talk about Mourinho. I know him; I played alongside him at Tottenham. Ultimately, that’s always been his way – trying to apply pressure from the outside.
“He did that with us at Tottenham too, and well, in the end it works for him, doesn’t it? Anyway, I’ve got nothing bad to say about him,” he said.
He added, “These are just different ways of understanding football; I don’t want to get involved in any controversy, nor do I want to make any strange comments here,” he noted.
“Congratulations to Madrid – they got the three points – and, well, we obviously need to put right the mistakes we made,” he concluded.
