Real Madrid have been handed a major injury concern after Kylian Mbappe was forced off during France’s clash with Türkiye with an apparent knee problem.

The France captain scored the only goal of the game with a brilliant low-driven finish but was unable to continue after appearing to hurt his knee, with Zinedine Zidane confirming that the forward will return to Madrid for further assessment.

France struggled to break down a determined Türkiye side before Mbappe provided the decisive moment midway through the first half.

The Real Madrid star was set up by Michael Olise after France won possession high up the pitch, with Mbappe producing a powerful low finish from a tight angle to put his side ahead.

However, the goal quickly became secondary when the 27-year-old appeared to injure his knee during the action. Mbappe initially attempted to continue despite the problem, but he was eventually forced off minutes later as concern grew over the severity of the injury.

Debutant France coach Zinedine Zidane subsequently provided an update on the France captain during an interview admitting that the early signs were worrying.

“Unfortunately, it’s not looking good. I think he will have to return to Madrid. We are not going to take any risks. He has a knee hyperextension from the impact. This is not encouraging. We are not going to take any risks.”

The decision to withdraw Mbappe means France will now wait for further medical examinations to determine the extent of the damage.

Real Madrid sweating over Mbappe

The injury will also be a major concern for Real Madrid, who have come to rely heavily on Mbappe since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. The France captain has scored 94 goals in 111 appearances for the Spanish giants, including eight goals in eight games this season.

His current form has also placed him among the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, alongside Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.

For Real Madrid, however, individual accolades will be secondary while they wait to discover whether Mbappe has suffered a serious setback.

Zidane’s decision not to risk the forward further suggests France are taking the injury seriously, with Mbappe now expected to return to Madrid.

The extent of the knee problem remains unclear, but Real Madrid will be hoping the hyperextension does not result in a lengthy spell on the sidelines for their most important attacking player.

Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association over alleged discriminatory behaviour by fans during their win at Fulham at the start of the Premier League season.

Chelsea wrote to supporters following the 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage on 24 August, acknowledging receiving “multiple reports of sectarian chanting from a small portion” of fans.

The Blues said they do not condone any discriminatory chants, and that fans found guilty would face “the strongest possible action”.

A statement from an FA spokesperson read: “Chelsea FC has been charged with breaching FA Rule E21 during the ninth minute of its Premier League fixture against Fulham FC on 24 August.

“It’s alleged that the club failed to ensure its spectators and/or supporters did not behave in an improper, offensive, abusive or insulting way.

“It’s further alleged that this behaviour was discriminatory in that it included a reference, whether express or implied, to religion or belief.”

In 2021 Chelsea condemned the actions of a fan who was seen on social media aiming sectarian abuse at Aston Villa‘s Scottish international John McGinn.

The Blues are 10th in the Premier League on seven points after the opening five games.

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle is confident in his players’ mentality and ability to secure a victory against Madagascar despite the absence of several key players.

The former Malian tactician will be without key players, including Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, Brighton duo Zadok Yohanna and Femi Azeez, Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and MLSer Alhassan Yusuf for Friday’s encounter due to injuries.

However, Chelle believes their absence will not be a problem for the team when they face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday.

“We have a lot of injuries, Femi Azeez, Zadok Yohanna, Victor {Osimhen}, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru,” he said in an interview

“We have a lot of injuries but this is not a problem for us. Of course, I prefer these guys to be with us.”

Speaking during his press conference, Chelle expects a difficult encounter against the Barea, recalling Madagascar’s victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON.

“We have to work on it, so we are ready to play the game,” he added.

“It is going to be a difficult game because Madagascar is a big team. I think they won against Nigeria in 2019.”

Chelle described the game as a fight and expressed confidence in his players’ mentality, insisting that they would be ready to compete when the two teams meet.

“We have to be ready. It is going to be a fight. The players have a good state of mind and we will be ready tomorrow,” Chelle concluded.

Chelle will be hoping the Super Eagles can secure a victory and begin their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note.