Kylian Mbappe: The Real Madrid player is expected to be unavailable for the match against Atletico Madrid due to a confirmed ‘biceps femoris’ injury.

Kylian Mbappe is set to miss the highly anticipated derby against Atletico Madrid after Real Madrid confirmed that the French forward has sustained a leg injury.

The 25-year-old superstar was substituted in the 80th minute during Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Alaves on Tuesday. In that match, he had earlier found the net to give the hosts a commanding 2-0 lead at the Bernabeu. However, the joy of that performance has been overshadowed by the news of his injury, which is expected to keep him sidelined for approximately three weeks.

Reports indicate that Mbappe has suffered a “biceps femoris” injury, a setback that comes at a crucial time for both player and club. In his last five appearances across all competitions, the Frenchman has been in sensational form, scoring six goals and proving to be a pivotal figure in Madrid’s attacking line.

A statement from Real Madrid confirmed the diagnosis: “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. His progress will be monitored.”

As a result of this injury, Mbappe will miss the crucial trip to face city rivals Atletico on Sunday. Additionally, he is also expected to be absent for the home clash against Villarreal the following week. Sandwiched between these two La Liga fixtures is a trip to Lille in the UEFA Champions League, where the defending champions will be looking to build on their opening European victory against VfB Stuttgart. This match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Following the league encounter with Villarreal, club football will take a pause for the second international break of the season. Madrid is scheduled to return to action against Celta Vigo on October 19, and there is hope that Mbappe could make his return in that fixture.

Currently, the Spanish champions sit second in the league table, just one point behind their in-form rivals Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Should Atletico secure a win against Celta Vigo on Thursday, and if Ancelotti’s side falters in the derby, Madrid could find themselves slipping to third place.

Both Carlo Ancelotti and the Madrid faithful will be eager to see Mbappe back in action, particularly with the first El Clasico of the season looming at the end of October. This match would mark the France captain’s inaugural experience of one of football’s most storied rivalries, making his recovery all the more crucial for the club.