Miah Massaro | Sports Editor
Real Madrid's hopes of fielding their star forward, Kylian Mbappé, in the highly anticipated derby against Atlético Madrid this weekend have been dealt a major blow. The club confirmed on Wednesday that Mbappé has suffered a thigh injury that will sideline him for approximately three weeks.
The news came as a shock to Real Madrid fans who had been eagerly anticipating the showdown against Atlético Madrid, one of the fiercest rivalries in Spanish football. Mbappé, who has made an electrifying start to his career in the Spanish capital following his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), will now be forced to watch from the stands as his new team battles their cross-city rivals.
Real Madrid’s Statement
In a brief statement, Real Madrid confirmed that the forward picked up a muscle strain in his left thigh during training earlier in the week, adding that the medical team estimates a recovery period of about three weeks.
“After tests carried out on Kylian Mbappé, he has been diagnosed with a thigh injury in his left leg,” the club said. “He will be out for approximately three weeks, depending on his recovery process.”
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Mbappé and Real Madrid. The 24-year-old forward has quickly become a vital part of the team, netting five goals in his first four La Liga appearances and exciting fans with his explosive speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. His absence in such a high-profile match will undoubtedly be felt, as Madrid seeks to maintain their strong start to the season.
Impact on Real Madrid
Mbappé’s injury is a significant setback for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which is currently battling for the top spot in La Liga. Real Madrid have been in fine form in the early stages of the 2023-24 season, and much of their success has been attributed to Mbappé’s immediate impact on the squad. With his combination of pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct, the Frenchman has already established himself as one of the focal points of Madrid’s offense.
In his absence, Ancelotti will likely turn to other attacking options such as Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, veteran striker Karim Benzema, and rising star Rodrygo. The trio has proven their worth in the past, but losing a player of Mbappé's caliber is an undeniable blow to the team.
Atletico Madrid Set to Capitalize?
Mbappé’s absence might give Atlético Madrid an edge, as they’ll look to take advantage of Real Madrid’s diminished attacking options. Diego Simeone’s team, renowned for their solid defense and quick counter-attacks, will likely approach the derby with added confidence, relieved of the challenge of containing the French star.
Even so, Atlético will be keen to make an early-season statement. The derby remains a highly charged encounter, with top-tier talent on both teams, and the outcome could play a pivotal role in shaping the La Liga title race.
Looking Ahead
For Real Madrid, the primary focus now will be on managing without Mbappé in the coming weeks and ensuring he returns fully fit. In addition to missing the Madrid derby, Mbappé is also expected to sit out key games against Girona and Las Palmas, as well as the club’s upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage matches.
As the Frenchman continues to recover, Madrid fans will be hopeful that their star forward can return quickly and continue his outstanding performance once he’s back on the field.
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