Mbappé out around ten days with a knee problem
Kylian Mbappé has knee hyperextension and will miss around ten days (3). The international break did this. Madrid's medical staff are now working against the clock before Villarreal at the Bernabéu on Saturday (3).
Ibrahima Konaté is also a doubt for that game (3). Madrid are not alone here. Up to 60 players came back from this international window injured across Europe, and La Liga clubs took a heavy share of it (3).
After the break, Madrid's form is the last thing you want to see: a 1–0 loss at Real Betis on Friday, September 4, a 2–1 home win over Internazionale in the Champions League on Tuesday, September 8, a 4–1 home win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, September 12, a 3–2 win at Elche on Tuesday, September 15, and a 2–1 defeat at Atlético Madrid on Sunday, September 20 (3). Fourteenth place is not where this team should be (3).
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Where Mbappé's future stands
The noise out of France has not stopped. Daniel Riolo of RMC Sport said it plainly: "N'excluons pas un départ à la fin de la saison," which means do not rule out a departure at the end of the season (2) (5). L'Équipe have also questioned his situation at the club (5).
The numbers cut both ways. Mbappé has 94 goals in 110 games for Madrid, a rate of 0.85 per match (4). The trophies have not followed: a European Super Cup and an Intercontinental Cup, nothing more (4).
Asencio backs Mbappé for the Ballon d'Or
Raul Asencio did not hesitate. Mbappé is "the best of all the nominees" (7). That matters because Madrid have run a quiet campaign for their captain in the Ballon d'Or race (7).
Asencio on his own difficult year
Asencio has spoken publicly about a hard year off the pitch: two off-field incidents, a recent leg operation, and time out of competitive football (8). He accepted responsibility for a driving offence and said Mourinho was right (8).
Jeltsch on Madrid's radar
Finn Jeltsch is 20 and plays centre-back for VfB Stuttgart. Madrid, Arsenal and Juventus are all watching him, with a valuation around €45m (6).
Alexander-Arnold return talk is dead
Rumours appeared in Spain about Trent Alexander-Arnold going back to Liverpool. Liverpool have no interest in bringing him back (10).
Fenerbahçe preparing a move
Fenerbahçe are getting ready to open talks with Madrid about a surprise signing (11).
Clasico referee reports denied
Reports that Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez would referee the Clasico between Barcelona and Madrid have been rejected. The appointment has not been decided (9).
Fan reactions
The mood on r/realmadrid is split between frustration and belief. One thread argues Mbappé should be the clear Ballon d'Or favourite on his World Cup, Champions League and La Liga scoring, with the counter that he has not won the trophies to match (link below). Others are reminiscing about the 2013 Clasico and debating the best long-range shooters at the club after Roberto Carlos.
https://www.reddit.com/r/realmadrid/comments/1x0d99b/mbappe_should_be_the_clear_favorite_to_win_the
