Real Madrid News
Just in – Real Madrid megastar out for three weeks, eyes return for second leg vs Man City
Real Madrid were dealt a major blow earlier this week when it was confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be out of action due to problems with his knee.
The 27-year-old megastar had been carrying a significant injury in his left knee for several weeks. The French forward had been managing the pain, pushing himself as far as his body allowed, but the limit was reached this week before the game against Benfica.
After he missed that match, it was suggested that Mbappe would be unavailable for Real Madrid’s next La Liga matches against Getafe and Celta Vigo as well, with the hope being that he would be ready for the Champions League Round of 16 first leg.
No Mbappe for three weeks
Providing an update, Javi Herraez of Cadena SER reports that Mbappe has now begun the recovery process with a clear objective in mind: to return as soon as possible to help Real Madrid during a decisive stage of the season.
The journalist states that the France captain is likely to be sidelined for a period of three weeks, and that his return is being targeted for the second leg of the Round of 16 clash against Manchester City.
It would mean that Mbappe will miss the games against Getafe (2 March) and Celta Vigo (6 March) next week, as well as the first leg of the UCL Ro16 vs Manchester City (11 March), and the league game versus Elche (14 March).
As things stand, the date 17 March is marked with an X on Real Madrid’s calendar and that day, if all goes well, Mbappe could return to play in the second leg vs Manchester City.
The 27-year-old superstar forward has been Real Madrid’s best player this season and also happens to be the top scorer with 38 goals from 33 matches, while he also has six assists.
Real Madrid will face their toughest test of the season so far on Sunday as they take on Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Matchday 7 of La Liga.
The Merengues head into the game with five wins in six league outings, seated second in the standings behind FC Barcelona, who have won six in six so far.
Real Madrid’s latest game ended in a 3-2 win over Elche, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from new signing Carlos Espi.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are fourth in the standings, with 13 points from six games, and head into the derby on the back of consecutive 3-0 victories over Real Sociedad and CA Osasuna.
Los Blancos have not enjoyed the best of record on their visit to the Metropolitano in La Liga in recent years, and Jose Mourinho will be keen on bucking that trend and picking up all three points heading into the international break.
Leading up to the derby, Real Madrid continue to be without three players in Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy.
Having made a few changes to the lineup for the trip to Elche, here’s how Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team against Atletico tomorrow.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid and will be in for a hostile reception as is the case every time he plays at the Metropolitano.
Meanwhile, at right-back, summer arrival Denzel Dumfries is expected to come into the side, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, having won the battle for the first-choice right-back.
On the opposite side, World Cup winner Marc Cucurella is likely to continue ahead of Alvaro Carreras, despite the latter impressing on his last start against Rayo Vallecano.
Dean Huijsen, back into the Spain squad after missing the World Cup, will pair up with Ibrahima Konate at centre-back.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni made his first start of the new season against Elche, having fully recovered from his injury.
The Frenchman is seen as an integral player by Mourinho and his staff in order to provide balance and stability to the team. As such, he is expected to feature from the get-go again in the derby.
Partnering Tchouameni in the centre of the park will be club captain Federico Valverde, who has been a permanent fixture in the team under the new manager.
As far as the attacking midfield role is concerned, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the lineup after being rested by Mourinho against Elche. The England international has made a brilliant start to the season and will be key for Real Madrid to come out on top in the derby.
Attack
As for the attacking unit, there will be a change on the right flank with new signing Yan Diomande expected to drop out of the team after back-to-back starts.
Instead, Arda Guler, who has excelled under Mourinho this term, will take up the position, from where he will look to create chances for his fellow attackers.
Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack for Real Madrid, while Vinicius Jr. will take up his usual place on the left wing. The Brazilian will need to step up after a few underwhelming displays so far.
