‎Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of the Spanish Super Cup semifinals due to injury, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
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‎The French international will miss Real Madrid’s semifinal clash against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Thursday, as he is yet to fully recover from a knee sprain.
‎Mbappe, Real Madrid’s leading goalscorer this season, was diagnosed with a sprain to his left knee on New Year’s Eve and has not been included in the squad travelling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the tournament.
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‎The club said the decision was taken in line with a “zero risk” policy to avoid aggravating the injury.
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‎The Spanish Super Cup kicks off on Wednesday with Barcelona facing Athletic Bilbao in the first semifinal, while Real Madrid will take on Atletico Madrid a day later.
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‎However, Real Madrid received a boost with the return of defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has recovered from injury and is back in the squad.
‎Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is currently under pressure following an inconsistent start to the season, with his side trailing LaLiga champions Barcelona by four points.
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‎Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in September 2024, already missed his first Madrid derby at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium. In the four derbies he has featured in since then, the 27-year-old has scored two goals, both in LaLiga.
‎The winner of the semifinal clash will advance to the final of the Spanish Super Cup.