A fresh report from Mundo Deportivo has raised concern within Real Madrid just days before a decisive UEFA Champions League encounter against Benfica.
The focus of attention is Kylian Mbappe, whose physical condition has become the talk of the town at a critical moment in the season.
As Real Madrid stepped up preparations for the European tie, the biggest talking point from the training ground was the sight of Mbappe working away from the main group.
The French forward trained separately alongside Alvaro Carreras, immediately sparking concern and media headlines.
Worry or precaution?
Providing official context on the situation, the club explained on its website that the two players were carrying out what was described as “moderate training.”
While the wording suggests a controlled workload rather than a setback, Mbappe’s individual programme has nonetheless set the alarm ringing, particularly due to ongoing concerns surrounding his knee.
As such, the timing could hardly be worse, with Real Madrid facing one of their toughest away tests of the season.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid player
Mbappe was absent from the training. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, as far as the training is concerned, the rest of the session followed the usual structure.
Training began with stretching and warm-up routines before moving into tactical drills.
As noted by the club, the squad worked extensively with the ball while maintaining a high tempo, with the aim of sharpening both match rhythm and physical condition ahead of the trip to Lisbon.
Meanwhile, as reported before, Antonio Rudiger continued his gradual return, completing part of the session with the group before finishing his work individually.
Real Madrid are scheduled to travel to Lisbon on Tuesday and will hold their final training session at the match venue on the afternoon before the game.
Whether Mbappe will be involved remains one of the biggest unanswered questions ahead of the tie.