Kylian Mbappé has moved to shut down speculation over the knee problem that has limited his recent involvement for Real Madrid, insisting that rumours around the severity of the issue are exaggerated and, in some cases, simply untrue.

The France captain has been eased back into action, coming off the bench in Madrid’s last two matches, including a dramatic comeback victory over Atlético Madrid. That cautious return followed a three-and-a-half-week spell on the sidelines with a sprain to his left knee, an injury that has bothered him intermittently since late last year.

Speaking at a promotional event in France, Mbappé addressed the swirl of reports surrounding his fitness. “My knee is fine. It’s getting better. It’s going quite well, and I know there’s been a lot of speculation about it and some false things have been said,” he said, stressing that much of what has circulated has not been grounded in medical reality.

He framed the situation as part of the modern reality for elite athletes. “It’s the life of a top athlete, and we’re used to people saying things without verifying them or having any basis in fact,” Mbappé added, making clear his frustration with the speed at which rumours spread compared with verified information from club or player.

Real Madrid had previously confirmed that Mbappé had aggravated a knee problem first sustained in December and opted for a conservative treatment plan rather than immediate surgical intervention. That approach was designed to protect the forward for the decisive stretch of the season, with the club still fighting on multiple fronts.

Despite the recent layoff, Mbappé has been named in the France squad for a pair of high-profile friendlies in the United States, against Brazil and Colombia. His inclusion is a strong indication that both national-team staff and the player himself believe he is on a clear upward trajectory physically.

For Madrid, his gradual return comes at a pivotal moment. The win over Atlético kept them within striking distance of Barcelona in LaLiga, while preparations intensify for a Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich. How quickly Mbappé can move from managed minutes to full matches could shape both Madrid’s season and France’s plans for the months ahead.