Real Madrid Get Double Boost as Two Key Stars Near Returns

Real Madrid have had some welcome injury news, with Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate both expected to be back in time for the club's return to action against Villarreal on October 10.

According to COPE, the French pair have been given recovery windows of between 10 and 15 days. That puts both in contention for the Villarreal game, though whether they start will depend on how their recoveries go.

Mbappe was hurt on France duty, going off shortly after scoring in the 1-0 win over Turkey on Friday. Real Madrid later confirmed the diagnosis after tests at Valdebebas. 

"Following tests carried out today on our player Kylian Mbappe by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee," the club said. No exact return date was given, but signs from inside the club point to an absence of around two weeks, which would let him build towards the Villarreal match rather than face a long spell out.

Konate also left international duty early with a problem in his right leg. Madrid confirmed the injury but again did not say how serious it is or how long he could be out. The early feeling, though, is that it is minor, which matters as the club are dealing with a growing injury list once more. He went back to Madrid without playing a minute for France.

With club football due to restart on October 10, the 10 to 15 day window gives both players a real chance of being involved. Even so, Madrid are expected to be careful. Mbappe's knee needs to be managed properly, and Konate's return will depend on how he responds in training. That means minutes could be limited, and neither may start against Villarreal even if both are declared fit.