French striker was back in team training on Friday targeting Real Sociedad availability as he follows recovery plan for persistent left knee issue
Kylian Mbappé returned to training with Real Madrid on Friday after missing the previous two sessions due to a recurring niggle in his left knee.
The French striker is following a specific recovery plan designed to ensure he’s in optimal condition for Real Madrid‘s upcoming Champions League encounter with Benfica while also targeting availability for this weekend’s match against Real Sociedad.
The 26-year-old has been managing the knee problem since early in the year, forcing Madrid’s medical staff to carefully monitor his workload and training participation.
His absence from Wednesday and Thursday sessions raised concerns, but Friday’s return suggests the issue hasn’t worsened significantly.
Raúl Asencio also rejoined the group after flu kept him out of Thursday’s training. The Spanish centre-back has been playing through a fractured tibia, an extraordinary feat of pain tolerance that may prompt manager Álvaro Arbeloa to rest him against Real Sociedad now that Antonio Rüdiger has returned to availability.
Asencio won’t feature in the Champions League anyway due to suspension, giving Arbeloa additional flexibility in managing the defender’s workload.
Friday’s session also featured youth prospects Cestero and César Palacios training alongside the first team, providing them valuable experience while giving Arbeloa a closer look at potential future contributors.
Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Éder Militão remained absent as they continue progressing through their respective rehabilitation programmes.
✅ Real Madrid have already decided on their first summer signing.
Los Blancos are now aiming to secure a top central midfielder, with three Premier League targets identified.https://t.co/K0dfLgXjEG #CFC #LFC #MCFC
— BBSportNews (@thebbsportnews) February 11, 2026
Arbeloa compares Mbappé to Cristiano Ronaldo after latest goal
Mbappé’s return to training comes on the heels of another match-winning performance that drew comparisons to Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
His late strike secured Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla, extending Madrid’s winning streak to five consecutive league matches and pulling them to within one point of Barcelona at the LaLiga summit.
The goal was Mbappé‘s 22nd in just 21 LaLiga appearances this season, bringing his overall tally to 30 goals across 37 matches in all competitions. That astonishing strike rate has evoked memories of Ronaldo’s dominant years in the Spanish capital, when the Portuguese superstar routinely delivered similar numbers.
Arbeloa made the comparison explicit following Sunday’s victory, suggesting Mbappé might be capable of matching achievements many believed were unrepeatable after Ronaldo’s departure.
“Words fail to describe Kylian,” Arbeloa said. “We thought we wouldn’t see anything like Cristiano, but he’s on his way.”
Mbappé has made no secret of his admiration for Ronaldo, citing the Portuguese icon as his childhood idol and primary inspiration for joining Real Madrid.