Real Madrid midfielder set to replace injured Kylian Mbappe in line-up to face Atletico Madrid: Reports
Veteran Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is reportedly set to replace injured striker Kylian Mbappe as Los Blancos take on Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday (September 29). The Frenchman injured his thigh during the 3-2 home win over Alaves in midweek.
Mbappe - who scored in the game - came off in the 80th minute, with boss Carlo Ancelotti explaining (as per the BBC):
"He's fine - a little overloaded. He asked me for the change to avoid problems."
Subsequent tests revealed an injury to the biceps femoris in Mbappe's left leg, with the club announcing that his progress will be monitored. It appears that the Frenchman won't be fit enough to face Atletico at the weekend.
As per Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic (via Madrid Xtra), Modric will replace the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner in a four-man midfield formation for the Atletico game.
Los Blancos are unbeaten in seven games in La Liga this season but find themselves four points behind leaders Barcelona (21), who have had a perfect start to the season.
It's pertinent to note that Madrid's only two defeats last season came against Atletico - one in La Liga and the other in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 - both away from home.
How has Kylian Mbappe fared for Real Madrid this season?
Real Madrid hitman Kylian Mbappe made an immediate impression at his new surroundings by scoring on his club debut in the 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta in Warsaw last month.
However, the Frenchman made a quiet start in La Liga - going scoreless in three games - before netting in his next four. After opening his account in the Spanish top flight by scoring both goals in a 2-0 home win over Real Betis, Mbappe was also on target in the 2-0 win at Real Sociedad.
The former PSG striker continued his scoring run by bagging a goal and an assist in the 4-1 home win over Espanyol before also netting in the aforementioned 3-2 home win over Alaves earlier this week.
Overall, Mbappe has seven goals and an assist in nine games across competitions for his new side. Most of his goal contributions - five goals and an assist in seven games - have come in the league. His two other goals have come in the UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League.