Not just the derby: Mbappé will miss the match he desperately wanted to play and Ancelotti has identified the alternative

Kylian Mbappé will be sidelined for Real Madrid’s upcoming matches, marking a significant setback for the team. He was particularly looking forward to the derby against Atletico Madrid, a key fixture of the season.
Due to an injury, Mbappé will be out for 21 days, a situation attributed to the strain from intense play in a recent match, which might have been mitigated with better rotation strategies. Reports from Defensa Central indicate that Real Madrid is set to play against Lille in the Champions League, where he would have faced his brother, Ethan Mbappé. This matchup was something he was eager to experience, adding to his disappointment about missing it.

Currently, the team is concentrating on ensuring Mbappé returns in optimal condition, with hopes he will be back after the international break in October. His absence is significant for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, especially with the upcoming match where he would have faced his brother.

Additionally, the newspaper reported that Ancelotti won’t use Endrick as Mbappé’s replacement; instead, he plans to bring Luka Modric into the midfield, allowing Jude Bellingham to shift to the attack. This adjustment resembles last season’s lineup, especially since it has been confirmed that Mbappé will miss the match at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé’s injury will indeed be a major blow for Real Madrid, especially with crucial fixtures on the horizon, including the derby against Atletico Madrid and the Champions League clash with Lille, where he would have faced his brother, Ethan Mbappé. Being sidelined for 21 days due to strain highlights the importance of better squad rotation to prevent such situations.

Carlo Ancelotti’s decision not to use the young Brazilian forward Endrick as Mbappé’s replacement points to his focus on experience, instead opting to bring Luka Modric into midfield and push Jude Bellingham into a more advanced role. This tactical adjustment mirrors some of last season’s setups and demonstrates Ancelotti’s reliance on Bellingham’s versatility and goal-scoring ability.

Real Madrid will be looking to manage Mbappé’s recovery carefully, hoping to have him back at full strength after the international break in October. His absence in the derby and the missed opportunity to play against his brother will surely be disappointing for both him and fans.