Mbappé trains normally and targets return against Villarreal on Saturday

Kylian Mbappé returned to Real Madrid’s group training at Valdebebas on Thursday, just three weeks after suffering a left knee injury in Turkey during Zinédine Zidane’s first match in charge of the France national team. A prolonged recovery, potentially lasting until the end-of-October Clásico at Camp Nou, had been considered.

Three days after resuming an individual training programme, the striker participated in the full group session led by José Mourinho, without pain or concern according to Spanish media. The day before, he had already taken part in workshops with the Merengue squad, a sign of rapid progress.

This recovery signals a return to competition as early as Saturday, during matchday eight of La Liga against Villarreal. Mourinho is expected to confirm his striker’s availability at Friday’s press conference.

Author of seven goals in seven La Liga matches this season, Mbappé remains a central cog in Real Madrid’s system despite controversies that marked the international break. The striker faced criticism in Spain for a trip to Paris during fashion week, and found himself at the centre of another episode following a cycling outing, a practice Mourinho had advised his players against just days earlier.