Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid: Why Isn't Mbappé Playing in the Derby?
It's a shame not to have the opportunity to see how Kylian Mbappé performs in what would have been his first Madrid Derby.
The French player will miss the match at the Metropolitano against Atlético Madrid this Sunday, a highly significant game where the white team will be looking to keep pace with FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Why Isn't Mbappé Playing in the Derby? 😢
The victory against Deportivo Alavés on Tuesday, September 24, came at a cost for Real Madrid, as Kylian Mbappé requested his substitution in the 79th minute.
After undergoing medical tests, the club confirmed that the Frenchman is suffering from a muscle injury in the biceps femoris of his left leg, which is why he won’t be playing against Atlético.
There is no official timeline for his recovery yet, but it is expected that the player will be sidelined until after the upcoming international break, as this type of injury typically requires up to three weeks of recovery.
Thus, Mbappé will not only be absent against Simeone's team but will also miss the Champions League matches against Lille and the La Liga clash with Villarreal.
He is expected to return on October 19 when Real Madrid visits Celta Vigo at Balaídos.
Here’s what Ancelotti said about Mbappé's absence
"Bellingham's position depends a lot on the role and strategy we want to implement. Obviously, without Mbappé, it changes a bit, but not much. We are used to playing without him because he wasn't here last year. It's a shame he won't be playing, but we can manage well in his absence," commented the Italian coach.