Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso faces an anxious wait after news broke that Kylian Mbappe is returning to the club earlier than expected following an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with France.
Mbappe opened the scoring in France’s 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan on Friday, helping his side edge closer to qualification for next summer’s World Cup. However, the star forward limped off just 10 minutes before the final whistle after receiving two heavy challenges on his right ankle — the same one that troubled him during Real Madrid’s final match before the international break.
In a statement released early Saturday, the French Football Federation confirmed that Mbappe would miss Monday’s away fixture in Iceland and had been permitted to return to Madrid for further evaluation. The club’s medical staff will now conduct detailed tests to determine the severity of the injury and whether it will sideline him for upcoming fixtures.
The news is a major concern for Alonso, as Mbappe has been in spectacular form this season, leading Real Madrid’s attack with nine goals in La Liga and six in the Champions League. His explosive pace and clinical finishing have been pivotal in Madrid’s unbeaten run, and any absence could significantly impact their title charge in both domestic and European competitions.