Mbappe (knee) is set to return to training with the team at Valdebebas on Tuesday after several days away from Madrid, as he had been given permission by Real Madrid to continue his recovery away from the training ground after undergoing medical tests in the capital, according to Joel Del Rio of Marca.
Analysis:Mbappe spent the second part of the international break working his way back from the knee injury he suffered with France, initially training on his own before returning to the grass for an individual session Monday afternoon and is now set to take the next step by rejoining the team on Tuesday. Tuesday's session will be the key checkpoint for his availability against Villarreal on Saturday, though Real Madrid could still manage his workload carefully given the knee issue and a demanding upcoming stretch with the Clasico against Barcelona at the end of the month. The forward has been in red-hot form this season, racking up seven goals and two assists across seven LaLiga appearances, making his status one to watch closely. If Mbappe isn't cleared to play, Carlos Espi or Endrick could step in to lead the line.
