According to Foot Mercato, Mbappé's knee injury does not require surgery, but it remains uncertain whether he will be fit to return after the international break.

Last Friday, Mbappé left the field injured after scoring at Kocaelispor's stadium. Zidane was subsequently not optimistic about the captain's condition. Real Madrid promptly released a statement that read: "Today, after an examination by Real Madrid's medical department, player Mbappé was diagnosed with a sprain of the posterior capsule of his left knee. His condition will be monitored closely." Mbappé has already left the French national team camp and returned to the Spanish capital for treatment.

Spanish media outlets, including COPE, have reported that the former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain player could be sidelined for approximately two weeks. AS was more optimistic, suggesting he would miss only 10 days. AS also wrote: "Tests show that had he continued playing, he would have run a high risk of a much more serious injury. This type of injury could derail an entire season." Mbappé has avoided surgery and is currently undergoing conservative treatment, but it remains uncertain whether he will be fit when the season resumes after the international break.

He is expected to be ready for the match against Villarreal on October 10, but not necessarily at full fitness. Real Madrid will be extremely cautious and will not risk Mbappé. Manager Mourinho and his staff have already begun exploring alternatives in case the French international is not in good form by then. Mbappé has scored 8 of the team's 20 goals this season.

AS recently mentioned Espi, who joined this summer and was initially considered Mbappé's backup, and Bellingham, who could play as a false nine. Mourinho has also revealed his offensive setup, stating the Portuguese manager does not intend to change his 4-2-3-1 formation.

Mourinho is seriously considering deploying Bellingham as a false nine. The English midfielder is currently the team's second-leading goalscorer with 3 goals. Güler, in excellent form, would return to midfield. Mourinho also has two more direct options: using Espi or Endrick as the main striker. Espi has performed well under Mourinho and showed promise in preseason, scoring 2 goals in 5 appearances, but has not yet secured a starting spot. Mourinho views him more as a super-substitute than a starter. Endrick, on the other hand, was sidelined with injury at the start of the season and only recently returned to the squad. So far, he has played just 4 minutes against Elche on September 15. A call-up to the Brazilian national team has given him more playing opportunities. If Mourinho opts to use Bellingham, who is not a specialist in that position, as a false nine, it could disappoint players receiving limited minutes due to Mbappé's absence.

Tradotto dall'IA.

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