Real Madrid suffered another significant setback in terms of personnel. Kylian Mbappé, one of the key players, has been ruled out with a confirmed left thigh injury after the hard-fought 3-2 victory against Atalanta in the Champions League last Tuesday. The club hasn't revealed the extent of the problem, but according to early reports from the Spanish press, the French forward is expected to miss at least ten days. In light of this, the concern for coach Carlo Ancelotti will only increase. The fact that the No. 9 is likely to miss the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca or Al-Ahly is a big question mark over whether he will be preserved or risked for the tournament.
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The moment that shook Madrid
It happened in the 34th minute of the first half when alarms sounded across the stadium. First, Mbappé, in great form and having already opened the scoring, started to show signs of discomfort. Inspired, he had been creating chances, showing his characteristic agility, and generally troubling Atalanta's defense. Then, suddenly, he sat down on the field. Unable to continue, he asked to be substituted. Rodrygo came on to replace him, but the concern had already set in. Losing a star like Mbappé is a heavy blow for any team.
Real Madrid’s injury concerns
The bad news doesn't stop for Ancelotti. Real Madrid's injury list has grown far too long for the Italian coach's liking. Besides Mbappé, the club's medical department currently includes Éder Militão, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga. That's nearly half of a starting lineup out of action. Game after game, Madrid fans are starting to feel like the team is held together by tape.
The question is, will squad depth hold up to this? It was a bright spot for fans as Vinícius Júnior came back in style, scoring a goal and showing his rhythm. The Brazilian was accompanied by Jude Bellingham, who kept on proving his growing importance in midfield as he scored in the victory over Atalanta.
Real Madrid have to be alert and change accordingly. The season is still in its early days, yet Real Madrid already have massive challenges. Injuries, players ruled out, and an unrelenting calendar make every win seem like a test of resistance. Could Mbappé miss the final? It's a real possibility. But Real Madrid is a team that has learned to reinvent itself in difficult times.
Ancelotti knows that losing Mbappé is a big problem, but it is not a disaster. Players like Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham offer a glimmer of hope, as both have recently proved they are ready to step up during critical moments. The concern of the fans is valid, though: while nobody is irreplaceable, losing a talent like Mbappé creates a gap that no strategy can fully cover.