According to AS, Mbappe is expected to be sidelined for 10-12 days with no surgery required.

The report states that after a day of stabilization, Mbappe began rehabilitation training on his left knee on Monday and will continue today. His recovery is progressing well at Valdebebas, and he is relieved to have avoided surgery.

Although the injury sustained with the national team ultimately turned out to be largely a false alarm—diagnosed as hyperextension of the posterior capsule of the left knee with an expected absence of 10 to 12 days—the situation could have been far more serious. Last Friday, in France's match against Turkey, Mbappe felt pain after scoring and deliberately slowed down, a crucial decision. Examinations showed that had he continued playing, he would have faced a high risk of serious injury, potentially sidelining him for the entire season.

Real Madrid maintained direct and timely contact with the French Football Federation's medical team and was even concerned that Mbappe might require surgery. Final examinations confirmed no operation would be necessary, which was undoubtedly a relief. However, Real Madrid will still handle the French superstar with extreme caution.

Based on the current recovery timeline, Mbappe should be able to return for the home match against Villarreal on October 10, making his comeback in front of the Bernabéu. However, the theoretical recovery time is one thing; deciding whether to play him and risk further injury is another matter that Mourinho is currently weighing.

If Mbappe does return, the timing will be tight, as Real Madrid faces two major matches afterward: an away fixture against Roma on October 14, followed by El Clásico away to Barcelona on October 25. Ensuring Mbappe returns in optimal condition is paramount.

Should the decision be made to rest Mbappe, Real Madrid's coaching staff has prepared several alternatives. Mourinho currently has at least four different attacking combinations available. The most straightforward option is to maintain the current system with Espinosa replacing Mbappe. However, Mourinho prefers to use the Spanish U21 international as a center-forward, serving as a focal point to break down opposing defenses when an aggressive push is needed.

Bellingham is another primary option. This would involve playing the Englishman in a "false nine" role, similar to the early days of Ancelotti's tenure, with the team's second-leading scorer replacing the primary striker. Simultaneously, Güler could play behind Bellingham, allowing both the Turk and Jan-Diomande to start, with the former in a deeper position and the latter on the right wing.

These solutions could be further adjusted if Mourinho decides to change the formation, though this is considered unlikely. In any case, everything depends on the final assessment of Mbappe's injury.

Real Madrid does not want to see Mbappe play through an injury as he did last season, only to eventually require treatment and full recovery under renowned knee specialist Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet.

This time, Mbappe will only return when he is 100% physically fit.

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