Mbappé quells Real Madrid fears ahead of LaLiga matchup with Real Sociedad
After sitting out Real Madrid practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Kylian Mbappé was back on the training field today.
As Real Madrid prepares to host Real Sociedad in LaLiga this weekend, striker Kylian Mbappé has eased fears over his fitness. After two days without stepping onto the practice field, Mbappé was back training with the group today - and looked good. He’ll be named on the Madrid roster for Saturday’s game and is on track for the starting XI.
Friday’s session also witnessed another return: Raúl Asencio, who has recovered from a bout of the flu. He’s available as well and, given he is suspended for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Benfica, is expected to partner Dean Huijsen in central defense against La Real.
Mbappé fit after knee niggle prompts Real caution
Over the past couple of days, alarm bells had been ringing around Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training base. It all started on Wednesday, in the week’s second training session: Mbappé stayed indoors, working in the gym. The same decision followed on Thursday.
The reasoning came from the medical staff: extra care for his left knee - the same one that’s been giving him mild discomfort since early December. The issue already forced him to miss the Champions League matchup with Manchester City and nearly all of the Spanish Super Cup. The club opted for maximum caution. And now, he’s fine.
On Friday morning at Ciudad Real Madrid, Mbappé stepped onto the grass like everyone else. Warm‑ups, rondos, good vibes. Together with Asencio, the 27-year-old Frenchman has the green light to play tomorrow against La Real.
Who remains on Real’s injury list?
With Mbappé and Asencio both fit, Madrid boss Álvaro Arbeloa now has nearly his full first-team squad at his disposal. Only three players remain out: Éder Militão, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes, all with hamstring injuries.
Not many academy players are expected to be on Arbeloa’s roster for Saturday’s game - for a simple reason. Castilla, Real Madrid’s ‘B’ team, plays today against Bilbao Athletic. Castilla right-back David Jiménez, who started Madrid’s win at Valencia last weekend, didn’t train with the first team today. Álvaro González, Sergio Mestre, Jorge Cestero, César Palacios and Álvaro Ginés did, and are all candidates for inclusion in Saturday’s senior squad.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: time, date and how to watch in the U.S.
On matchday 24 of the LaLiga season, Real Madrid and Real Sociedad meet on Saturday, Feb. 14, with kickoff at the Bernabéu scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game on ESPN Deportes, ESPN Select and the ESPN app. You can also stream Madrid vs La Real on the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free, introductory trial.
Currently on a run of seven LaLiga wins in a row, Madrid sits one point behind league leader Barcelona, with the Catalans due to face Getafe on Monday.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, heads into matchday 24 in eighth - and is also on a significant unbeaten streak. The Basques are undefeated in 11 matches in all competitions, a sequence that includes four wins and three draws in LaLiga.
Related stories
The $895 ticket now worth $5,324
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.