Kylian Mbappe injury: Real Madrid set clear plan with El Clasico in focus

Real Madrid are looking beyond Kylian Mbappe’s immediate return and towards the fixture that matters most at the end of October.

According to SPORT , the club’s priority is to have Mbappe fully fit for the Clasico against Barcelona on October 25, rather than rushing him back for every match before then.

The France international is currently recovering from a knee problem sustained during the international break .

Real Madrid’s medical report confirmed hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee, with an expected recovery period of around 10 to 14 days .

Mbappe was back in the spotlight recently after being seen entering a nightclub in Paris with his partner, Ester Exposito.

The images triggered criticism from some Real Madrid fans, particularly because the forward has not been completing his recovery at Valdebebas in the same way as some of his teammates have done.

However, the club has no apparent concerns over the situation because as reported before, the player has the club’s permission , meaning there is no indication that Mbappe has breached any instructions regarding his recovery.

That leaves the focus on when he should return to competitive action.

On paper, Mbappe could be available for the league meeting with Villarreal on October 10, as his expected recovery timeline would put him in contention for that fixture.

However, that does not necessarily mean Mourinho will use him.

Real Madrid’s planning is being influenced by the Clasico, with the club keen to ensure Mbappe reaches the October 25 meeting at the Spotify Camp Nou in full condition.

His workload could therefore be managed carefully in the weeks leading up to the game.

That may mean starting the Villarreal match on the bench or potentially being left out altogether if there is any concern over his fitness.

The Clasico already carries significant importance for Real Madrid, as Barcelona currently sit six points ahead of them, meaning the meeting in Catalonia could have a major impact on the early La Liga picture.

Jude Bellingham has been in sensational form this season, both for Real Madrid and England, rediscovering the brilliance that defined his early days in Spain.

The midfielder capped off a terrific international break with a standout display as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League.

And his performance drew high praise from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

The Irishman was effusive in his assessment of Bellingham, suggesting the Englishman was simply operating on a different level to the Croatia side.

“Jude Bellingham vs Croatia? It looks like a grown man playing against little children. It’s like patting your kids on the head,” he said (h/t Madrid Zone ).

He went on to acknowledge that Croatia could hardly be blamed for failing to contain him. “He’s such a good player and physically you can’t blame Croatia because they can’t get near him,” the former midfielder added.

It was a glowing endorsement from Keane, who is rarely one to hand out praise lightly, and it reflected just how dominant Bellingham was on the night.

The numbers behind Bellingham’s performance backed up Keane’s words, with the Real Madrid man delivering a truly complete midfield showing.

Bellingham registered a goal and three assists, while also creating a staggering eight chances, four of which were big chances.

He completed both of his crosses, six of seven long balls and four of six dribbles.

Defensively, he was equally impressive, winning eight duels, making an interception, two recoveries and two defensive contributions, while also being fouled three times as Croatia struggled to cope with his power and drive.

It was the kind of all-action, match-defining display that has become increasingly common for Bellingham this season.

The Englishman has been reborn under Jose Mourinho, operating in a free attacking role that allows him to influence games in every area of the pitch.

Bellingham was not the only Englishman to perform well, with Barcelona star Anthony Gordon also impressing on the night .