Real Madrid may have cause to worry ahead of their upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid after star signing Kylian Mbappe left their home win over Deportivo Alaves with thigh discomfort. Mbappe was Madrid’s biggest signing of the summer and he has been living up to the billing, with seven goals in his first nine appearances.
Mbappe netted Madrid’s second goal against Alaves as the Los Blancos went three-nil up. However, Alaves reduced the deficit with two successive goals in the 85th and 86th minute. An Alaves equalizer wasn’t Madrid’s only scare for the night. Mbappe had to be subbed off in the 80th minute after he complained of discomfort in his thigh. The striker will undergo further medical checks to determine the seriousness of the issue.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be hoping the Frenchman’s condition will not require him to be absent from their crucial derby against Atletico on Sunday. Ancelotti explained his decision to take Mbappe off during his post-game interview. He said, “He’s okay. He’s a little sore. He asked for the substitution to avoid problems. He is already very well and so are we.”
Madrid signed Mbappe, considered one of the best football players in the world, on a free transfer from PSG during the summer transfer window. The Frenchman rose to football stardom as a teenager playing for Monaco before moving to PSG and winning the 2018 World Cup with France.
Mbappe has blended into Madrid’s star-studded attack and become an important part of the attacking partnership with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Bellingham.