Real Madrid fans were dealt a major blow, as Kylian Mbappe has been officially ruled out of the upcoming Madrid Derby against Atletico due to a hamstring injury.
The club announced the bad news on their website, revealing that Mbappe suffered the injury during Tuesday's match against Alaves.
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When can Mbappe make his injury return?
Following medical tests, Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappe has a hamstring issue in his left leg. "He has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury... awaiting further evaluation," the club said in its official statement.
The injury is expected to sideline the French star for around three weeks, leaving Los Blancos without their key forward for a crucial stretch of games, including the highly anticipated clash with Atletico Madrid.
Parte médico de Mbappé. #RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 25, 2024
There had been talk that coach Carlo Ancelotti was considering resting Mbappe for the match against Alaves, but the star forward ultimately started. Now, with Mbappe forced to sit out, Ancelotti faces a tough decision on who will step up in the derby.
Mbappe, who had been hitting his stride with a string of strong performances, will miss vital fixtures during his recovery, just as he was gaining confidence. Real Madrid fans will hope the rest of the squad can step up in his absence, but there’s no denying the size of the challenge ahead without their talisman.
The Madrid Derby just got a lot tougher for Los Blancos.