Mbappe’s status uncertain for Atletico clash as Real Madrid line up his replacement | OneFootball

Real Madrid could be forced to make a crucial change to their attacking lineup in the upcoming Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

According to reports from AS, if Kylian Mbappe is not fully fit, Brahim Diaz will step in to take his place.

It must be noted that the French forward is facing a race against time to recover from a knock he sustained in the recent match against Rayo Vallecano.

Mbappe did not complete the full training session yesterday, raising doubts about his availability for the Euroderby. The medical team is closely monitoring his condition, and a final test will determine whether he can participate.

He will only be cleared to play if he is at peak fitness. Otherwise, Brahim, despite having struggled with bouts of fever this week, will be called upon to lead the attack.

Challenging situation for Real Madrid

The situation took a concerning turn during the last training session before the high-stakes encounter. At first, the club downplayed the issue, treating it as a routine precautionary measure.

Kylian Mbappe is racing against time to be fit for the Atletico clash. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, when Mbappe did not join his teammates in the initial phase of training—where the media was allowed to observe—it sparked concerns.

He remained inside the training facilities for a specialised workout before eventually stepping onto the pitch. Despite the club’s efforts to maintain composure, the uncertainty surrounding his condition has only increased.

Real Madrid are not rushing

Initially, Real Madrid appeared confident about his participation, but as training progressed, optimism began to fade.

The final decision will depend on the medical tests and an activation session scheduled hours before kick-off. Mbappe is determined to make himself available and is doing everything possible to be ready for the match.

If the French star is ultimately unable to play, Carlo Ancelotti has already identified Brahim as his replacement. The playmaker has shown promise in recent appearances and could have a significant role to play in this crucial encounter.