Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid
The ongoing international break has not been kind to Real Madrid in any capacity, and it is still just in its opening stages.
In just the first week of the hiatus, Los Blancos have already seen two players injured, including Ibrahima Konate and Kylian Mbappe, both of whom have left the national team to return to Madrid.
The sincere hope from the Spanish capital, at this point, will be for the remaining Real Madrid players to stay fit and complete the rest of the international break without any injuries.
Concurrently, there is pressure on Jose Mourinho to manage the minutes of overworked internationals carefully to prevent any setbacks that could seriously dent the team’s chances.
The plan for Villarreal
Real Madrid’s first game after the current international break is against Villarreal, and that will present the manager with his first and best chance to hand some superstars rest.
Álvaro Carreras of Real Madrid
Carreras could start on the night. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Defensa Central reports that the manager is already working hard on a plan for the clash on October 10th, and he has already identified four bench players who can arrive as starters for that clash.
Alvaro Carreras, for starters, could replace Marc Cucurella who is on international duty, as can Trent Alexander-Arnold replace Denzel Dumfries. Bernardo Silva and one of Endrick or Carlos Espi are the other two bench names who could start.
A need to find solutions
While handing out rest to the regular starters is indeed part of the bigger plan, making big changes in the lineup will also help the manager identify solutions to problems that have been highlighted in recent games.
Carlos Espi, Real Madrid player
Will Carlos Espi replace Mbappe? (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s performance at the Madrid derby was disastrous, and while the referee stole the show with his blunders, Los Blancos were simply too passive on the night.
With big games including El Clasico around the corner, Mourinho will look to use the game against Villarreal to find new solutions and a stable setup.
Further, Mbappe could remain unavailable if a bad injury is confirmed, and the manager may also use that game to find a sustainable means to replace his goals. After all, he may be unavailable for the first few games after the hiatus.
Kylian Mbappe’s France teammate offers important update after injury blow: ‘Wasn’t anything serious’
Rayan Cherki of Manchester City
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Real Madrid fans were given quite the scare when Kylian Mbappe suffered an injury during the international break while on duty with France.
The forward was seen in discomfort immediately after scoring the match-winning goal in the 54th minute, prompting concern from his teammates and Real Madrid teammate Arda Guler.
The Frenchman is not only crucial to his national side but also the focal point of Jose Mourinho’s attack, so the physical concern is met with immediate anxiety at Valdebebas.
Thankfully, though, the early signs appear reassuring.
Cherki eases the fears
Real Madrid’s concerns were calmed by France teammate Rayan Cherki, who offered an encouraging update on Mbappe’s condition.
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Mbappe in action against Turkiye. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
“He’s fine. At first we were very worried, but then we saw it wasn’t anything serious,” he said (h/t Defensa Central).
The forward acknowledged that the initial impression had caused considerable concern within the French camp, but subsequent reports quickly eased those fears.
Cherki ruled out anything serious with regards to Mbappe’s injury and backed his teammate to come back stronger.
“He’ll come back stronger, that’s the most important thing,” the Manchester City star added.
The words were a welcome relief, given just how influential Mbappe has been this season. The striker has scored eight goals in eight matches and remains the driving force behind Los Blancos.
Real Madrid remain cautious
Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid superstar
Real Madrid remain attentive to Mbappe’s fitness. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
Despite the positive noises, Real Madrid will be taking no risks with their talisman, with the forward set to return to the club for further assessment.
With a long and demanding season ahead, Mourinho needs Mbappe in peak condition, meaning his return will only be sanctioned once he is fully fit.
Cherki’s update is a good sign, but it does not constitute an official medical report, and the club will want clarity on the exact extent of the problem before deciding on the next steps.
The priority for Real Madrid will be to prevent a seemingly minor issue from worsening by rushing him back prematurely. Given Mbappe’s importance, every knock or niggle is followed with particular concern at Valdebebas.