Real Madrid breathes easy: Mbappé and Konaté clear fitness scares for Villarreal clash

A few days of worry and now most of it has been cleared up. The international break left Real Madrid on edge over Kylian Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté, but medical tests at Valdebebas brought the best possible news: both will be available this Saturday when Villarreal visit the Bernabéu.

Mbappé suffered a hyperextension of his left knee while playing for France against Turkey, while Konaté felt discomfort in his knee during a training session with the French national team. The scare was significant, especially given that Mbappé is the team's top attacking threat, but the examinations ruled out any serious damage. Head coach José Mourinho confirmed the news himself at a press conference: both players are ready to face the Yellow Submarine.

Valverde, the question mark still to be resolved

If there's one name still generating doubt in Real Madrid's starting lineup, it's Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan has been carrying a high grade ankle sprain since the derby against Atlético Madrid, the result of a hard challenge from Kang-In Lee, and whether he'll play on Saturday remains up in the air.

Mourinho declined to give anything away, leaving the call for the last possible moment:

With Valverde, the issue has carried right up to today. We'll make the call today about tomorrow.José Mourinho

Four absences that persist

Beyond the recent scares, Real Madrid has four confirmed absences for this match: Éder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio, each at a different stage of recovery.

Militao's case brings the most hope. The Brazilian center back, who suffered a serious injury last May, is already training with the group and feeling good, though Mourinho was clear that there's still time needed:

There's no doubt about Militao, he won't be playing. But watching him train the way he trains, if you didn't know his history you'd throw him in tomorrow. I joke with him and ask, "are you going to play?" He's further along than I expected. He won't be there tomorrow, or in Rome, or against Sevilla. He needs a couple more weeks. His medical history is a heavy one and we have to be careful.José Mourinho

The other three cases call for more patience. On Mendy and Rodrygo, the Portuguese coach said: "Mendy will train on the field with us for the first time. Rodrygo is further behind." According to sources consulted by ESPN, Rodrygo might not reappear until early 2027, while Asencio is targeting a December return. For Mendy, however, there's still no date on the calendar.

With two confirmed returns, one reasonable doubt and four absences that will continue to wait, Real Madrid heads into the Villarreal match with an injury room puzzle that, for now at least, brings more relief than worry.