Mbappé returns to full training and is in line to start against Villarreal

Kylian Mbappé took part in his first full training session of the week on Wednesday and is now in contention for Real Madrid's upcoming match against Villarreal. The French striker, who had been dealing with knee discomfort, worked normally at Valdebebas and cleared up any doubts about his availability. José Mourinho could even hand him a starting role if no setback occurs in the coming hours.

• Mbappé trained with the group for the first time this week after recovering from knee discomfort.
• The Frenchman was in Paris on Tuesday for a charity event and returned to join the squad.
• Mourinho already has most of his internationals available; only Bellingham and Trent remain out.
• Huijsen, Güler and Diomande also took part in the session with complete normality.
• Beneficiaries of the Real Madrid Foundation's social-sports schools in Cambodia visited the training session.

Mbappé overcomes knee issue and enters Villarreal plans

Mbappé's involvement against Villarreal was the biggest question mark of the week. The player had been training away from the group because of knee discomfort, but his progress has been positive and he stepped onto the pitch with his teammates on Wednesday. The coaching staff is optimistic and expects Mourinho to be able to use him from the start.

His quick trip to Paris on Tuesday, linked to a charity commitment, added extra noise to the situation. However, his return to the group confirms that the Frenchman is fit to compete. Real Madrid recover their main attacking reference for an important fixture in the LaLiga title race.

Mourinho welcomes players back but keeps two absentees

The session at Valdebebas brought good news for the Portuguese coach. Almost all the players who had been away on international duty rejoined the group. Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold were the exceptions and continued with a specific plan away from the main squad.

Dean Huijsen, Arda Güler and Mohammed Diomande completed the session without any issues. The three players took part normally in the training rotations and are available for selection. Mourinho will be able to rely on a large squad for the Villarreal match, with the only doubt being whether he risks Bellingham or Trent depending on their recovery.

Real Madrid Foundation's charity visit at Valdebebas

The day had a special touch before training began. A group of beneficiaries from the social-sports schools run by the Real Madrid Foundation in Cambodia visited the training ground and had the chance to meet first-team players up close.

The Foundation has been running several social-sports projects in the Battambang region for years, working alongside the NGO Sauce and the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang. These programmes use football as a tool for education and social inclusion for children and young people in vulnerable situations. The visit allowed the attendees to spend time with their idols and enjoy a unique experience before the session.

What Real Madrid have at stake against Villarreal

The Villarreal match comes at a pivotal moment in the calendar. Real Madrid want to stay in the fight for LaLiga and cannot afford any more home slip-ups. Mbappé's return to the starting line-up is a key boost for an attack that loses its edge when the Frenchman is not on the pitch.

Mourinho needs all three points to avoid losing ground in the table. Villarreal, a demanding opponent from a tactical standpoint, will test the defensive solidity and reaction capacity of a team enduring an up-and-down season. Having the French forward from the start would send a clear message of ambition and restored normality.

Mbappé's week: Paris, charity work and a return to training

Mbappé's lightning trip to Paris on Tuesday was linked to a charity commitment and did not alter his schedule with the club. Upon his return, the striker made himself available to Mourinho and was already training at full pace on Wednesday. The charity event reinforced his public image at a time when his name is once again making headlines.

The so-called 'Mbappé saga' keeps producing news every day, but this time the focus is on the sporting side. The Frenchman wants to put the physical problems behind him and concentrate on helping the team. His return to the group is the first step towards feeling important again, and the Villarreal match could confirm his place in the starting eleven.