Kylian Mbappé travelled to Paris to consult orthopaedic surgeon Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet after an ongoing knee problem described as lasting 89 days. The visit came in the build-up to Real Madrid’s tie with Manchester City and ahead of an international window that includes the World Cup. No operation was carried out; Mbappé received advice that aligned with Real Madrid’s medical team.
Surgeon credentials and club links
Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, born in 1968 and nicknamed ‘Doctor Milagro’ in some reports, works at Hôpital de la Pitié‑Salpêtrière and advises the Centre Orthopédique Santy, which is FIFA‑accredited. He has authored more than 280 scientific publications and performs in excess of 600 ACL reconstructions each year, and holds leadership and membership roles in several orthopaedic and arthroscopy societies.
Sonnery‑Cottet has a documented history of treating high‑profile players, including assistance to Karim Benzema in 2014 and a treatment episode involving Zlatan Ibrahimović approximately four years ago. Real Madrid’s medical setup is identified with Niko Mihic as head of medical.
Short‑term availability and tournament concerns
The key stakes are Mbappé’s availability for the Manchester City first leg and his fitness heading into the World Cup. Those outcomes are currently uncertain: neither match availability nor tournament fitness has been confirmed.
Reports flag a risk of relapse if a player returns to action prematurely, and there are accounts that Mbappé is pushing to resume quickly despite medical caution. Club and specialist advice was exchanged in Paris, but the exact medical prognosis beyond that guidance has not been disclosed.
Selection decisions for the coming fixtures will depend on further assessments by Madrid’s medical staff and any additional consultations with Sonnery‑Cottet. The situation remains under observation.
