Real Madrid’s injury woes have been further compounded as star signing Kylian Mbappe has picked up a fresh thigh injury.
The Frenchman had picked up a knock against Alaves. Shortly after the game, it was reported that Mbappe’s substitution was merely a precaution and that the player would be available for the upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid.
However, Real Madrid have now confirmed Mbappe has picked up a thigh injury and will be out for three weeks, which could greatly alter Carlo Ancelotti’s gameplan.
To that end, a recent report from The Athletic has offered more insights as to how Ancelotti is preparing for the Madrid derby following the injury of Mbappe.
The report suggests Ancelotti could deploy Luka Modric against Atletico Madrid this weekend, with the veteran likely to operate in a four-man midfield setup.
This implies that Real Madrid could go for a 4-4-2 formation against Atletico Madrid, with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior likely to spearhead the attack.
Although the Real Madrid midfield, comprising Modric and Toni Kroos, was completely overrun the last time they faced Atleti, Ancelotti will be hoping things are different this time.
Despite worries over his age, Real Madrid believe Modric is in peak physical condition and can easily play the entire ninety minutes, especially given how the veteran has often received breaks in between matches.
Modric, therefore, remains the favourite to start in midfield and replace the injured Mbappe, at least from a tactical perspective.
Should the tactics backfire, Ancelotti has more than enough alternatives, including Endrick, who can possibly slot into a 4-3-3 while Arda Guler can be an interesting plan B in midfield.