First the wrong knee, now the wrong foot. Multiple sources indicate that Real Madrid’s medical team also previously mishandled this player's diagnosis.
Serious accusations have resurfaced against the medical department of Real Madrid, the most decorated club in Spain. Following reports that a serious mix-up had occurred in the treatment of the knee problems of star striker Kylian Mbappe (27), a similar error is now being reported in the case of his French compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga (23).
According to L'Equipe, Camavinga's absence from several matches in December 2025 due to an ankle injury stemmed from a diagnostic error by Real Madrid. At the time, the medical staff of the white-clad team reportedly X-rayed the wrong foot of the defensive midfielder.
Camavinga injured his left ankle on Dec. 3 during the 3-0 away victory against Athletic Club. Although he scored a goal, he had to be substituted in the 69th minute and complained of pain. As a result, he underwent an MRI of his right foot. With no injury detected, the doctors cleared Camavinga.
Consequently, the 23-year-old player was included in the squad on Dec. 7 against Celta but did not play. Instead, he missed the following matches against Alaves (LaLiga), Manchester City (Champions League), and Talavera (Copa del Rey) due to ankle problems. It was not until Dec. 20 that he was able to play again, logging 18 minutes against Sevilla FC.
The revelation about Camavinga adds fuel to the fire surrounding the alleged improper treatment at Real Madrid. It all traces back to a report by RMC sports journalist Daniel Riolo, who claimed that superstar Kylian Mbappe had his wrong knee examined, which allegedly aggravated his discomfort. Several media outlets, such as El Pais, The Athletic, and Marca, confirmed this.
According to Marca, for example, Mbappe subsequently consulted a knee specialist in Paris and was "fuming with rage" over the incident. However, the 2018 world champion denied this information during a news conference with the French national team: "The news that the wrong knee was examined does not correspond to the truth. Perhaps I am partly to blame for it. When you don’t communicate, everyone takes the opportunity to fill the void; that’s how it works."
Due to knee problems, Mbappe missed five matches between late February and mid-March; he had reportedly played several matches in pain beforehand because of the improper treatment. However, the French national team captain stressed that there were always clear agreements with his club: "I am happy to feel good in both knees. In a way, I also owe that to my club. I am very pleased to be here, fit and healthy."
RMC Sport further reported that Mbappe's misdiagnosis was also a decisive factor in the separation from the medical staff at the start of the year. As a result, following their dismissal at the end of 2023, Dr. Niko Mihic was rehired as director after the team had been reorganized last summer. Personnel changes in Real Madrid's medical department are by no means a rarity, as those in charge complain about too many injuries.
Join The Conversation
Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers.
Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favorite teams and news!