Real Madrid striker suffers thigh injury before Atletico derby

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé has suffered a thigh injury ahead of this weekend’s La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid, the club announced on Wednesday.

The French star was substituted during Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Alaves on Tuesday, showing signs of discomfort.

According to Spanish media reports, Mbappé is expected to be sidelined for approximately three weeks.

“Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s medical services on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg,” said the Spanish champions in a statement.

Mbappe scored a superb goal in the thriller at the Santiago Bernabeu with Alaves and has netted five times this season in seven league appearances.

Asked about Mbappe’s condition after the game, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said: “He’s fine, he’s fine, a little overloaded, he asked me for the change to avoid problems.”

Real Madrid, currently just one point behind leaders Barcelona, who play Getafe on Wednesday, will travel to the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday for a derby clash against rivals Atletico Madrid.

Notably, Los Blancos have remained unbeaten in La Liga for 39 matches, with their last defeat coming a year ago against Atletico.

Kylian Mbappé is also expected to miss Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Lille next week, as well as potentially France’s Nations League games in October against Israel and Belgium.

Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this summer after the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, had long dreamed of playing for the Spanish giants.

The 25-year-old striker has found form in recent games, tallying seven goals in nine appearances across all competitions.

He also scored in the UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta in August and on his Champions League debut for Madrid.