Kylian Mbappé gives Real Madrid major headache

With just hours to go until the crucial Champions League ‘Euroderbi’ between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid at the Metropolitano, the absence of French star Kylian Mbappé at the start of Los Blancos' final training session has caused quite a stir.

The alarm bells started ringing when he didn’t join his teammates for the first 15 minutes, which were open to the media. Initially, the Frenchman stayed inside the facilities to undertake tailored training.

Kylian Mbappé injury update: will he play against Atlético today?

He later joined the rest of the squad, but the issue, though minor, is real and could prove prohibitive. Mbappé, nursing a knock to his right ankle from the match against Rayo Vallecano, is a genuine doubt.

What initially seemed innocuous has turned into a potential problem. The club initially conveyed a sense of calm, but the message has become less optimistic as the session progressed. “If he feels strong, he’ll play,” they say internally, leaving an open question that will be answered by the fitness test Mbappé will undergo at Real Madrid Sports City on Wednesday morning. His involvement in the game will depend on said test and the activation session hours before the match. He will do everything possible to quell the alarm.

What happened to Mbappé?

To understand what happened to the former PSG star, we need to rewind to the match against Rayo and stop at the 21st minute.

A clash with Rayo defender Aridane resulted in the ankle knock, and Mbappé was visibly in pain. He managed to continue and even scored the opening goal after a pass from Vinicius. However, his performance waned, and Ancelotti substituted him in the 78th minute, a decision that now seems more significant.

For now, Mbappé remains focused with his teammates at Valdebebas. The France captain has been named in the squad to face Atlético, although there is now a debate about whether he will start or be on the bench.

Who could replace Kylian Mbappé against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League?

If Mbappé is unavailable, the spotlight will turn to Brahim Díaz. The plan is to pair Camavinga and Tchouameni in the double pivot in midfield, supporting the “Fantastic Four” of Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Mbappé.

Without one of them, option No. 5 will step in. Brahim, the hero of the first leg, dribbled, scored, and decided the match at the Bernabéu. Although he hasn’t been at 100% due to a recent fever, he is ready. Whether starting or as an impact player off the bench, Díaz could well have a crucial role to play.

Original article written by Carlos Forjanes and Fernando S. Tavero, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

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