Kylian Mbappé is set to miss his first major domestic match since joining Real Madrid when they face Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga.
He will be out for an unknown amount of time due to a hamstring injury, which he suffered after scoring his seventh goal of the season against Alavés.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti will need to decide how to fill the gap left by the team’s big signing, who is the most significant addition since Cristiano Ronaldo over ten years ago. Ancelotti could keep his three-forward attack by giving fellow newcomer Endrick his first start.
The 18-year-old has already impressed by scoring two goals in just 47 minutes of play as a substitute. He could join fellow Brazilians Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in the lineup.
Another option for Ancelotti would be to switch back to the 4-4-2 formation that helped the team win the league and Champions League last year, although Toni Kroos is now retired.
This change would involve adding a midfielder from Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, or Arda Guler to play alongside expected starters Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
“I don’t know if (Mbappé) is going to play or not, but they have several good players to turn to,” said Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak. “Whoever plays will play well and want to win as much as we do.”
Atletico was the only team to defeat Madrid last season during their title run, winning the home derby 3-1 and drawing 1-1 at Santiago Bernabeu.
