Kylian Mbappe will be lucky to get away with a one-match suspension if it is indeed confirmed after the horrific tackle he dived into against Deportivo Alaves.
For Real Madrid, however, there is simply no time to ponder over his sanction.
The win at the weekend was indeed a crucial one for Los Blancos given the situation in La Liga. However, the management and dressing room have their complete focus on the UEFA Champions League and the 3-0 deficit they must surmount.
Keeping Mbappe away from the low brought by the red card, needless to say, is critical for their chances and efforts for the same are in full swing as relayed by Mundo Deportivo.
As brought to light by the Spanish outlet, both Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez met with Mbappe in recent days to convey the confidence they have in him and the tranquillity around his situation.
After all, Real Madrid know that the French superstar will be key if they are to put more than four goals past Arsenal tomorrow and that they will need the star to pull off a performance similar to his hat-trick against Manchester City earlier in the Champions League.
While the manager and club president’s support do indeed go a long way, Mbappe will be seriously motivated for the second leg against Arsenal for the Champions League is one of the only trophies missing from his cabinet.
A slip-up tomorrow and he will have to wait at least a year to have another shot.
A lot rides on the result Mbappe and co. can pull off at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night. They have pulled off the miracle many times in the past, but can they do it once more when the expectation in itself is of a comeback? Only time will tell.