It has been a sad 24 hours or so at Real Madrid, after kylian Mbappe was reported injured. The player suffered an injury to his femoral biceps of his left leg while in action on Tuesday against Alaves. Club sources have ruled the player out for three weeks, if nothing goes wrong.

Mbappé’s injury comes at a very crucial moment for Real Madrid, as they prepare for the Madrid Derby. Ancelotti is now set to find solutions on Sunday when they take-on Atlético Madrid, without one of his top guns. With 7 goals and one assist, no doubt Mbappe will be a great miss.

Following Mbappé’s absence, journalists Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana of The athletic, have revealed a player most likely to slot in to deputize for the Frenchman. (Via Madridxtra)

Who will replace Mbappe?

According to the source, club captain Luka Modrić is the player chosen by Carlo Ancelotti. The club captain who has featured more as a sub this season is set for a big role on Sunday.

Ancelotti’s plan might be to return to a Midfield four, a formation that brought him alot of success last season. This will mean playing a 4-4-2,  with Modrić – Bellingham – Tchouaméni – Valverde all starting. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo will operate as the two forwards on the night.

What does Modrić bring to the team?

At 39, Modrić continues to prove that age is just a number. However, the player is way passed the age of running forward and backwards for 90 minutes.

At this point, his game is completely mapped out. His role involves controlling the game speed and tempo, while also ensuring Madrid Keep the ball more.

This role will be nothing new to the veteran, who has done so for over 18-years in his career. The presence of Bellingham, Valverde and Tchouaméni who are all hard workers around him, makes his task even more easier, as the youngstars cover-up for his physical lack.

It will be an interesting game on Sunday, and Real Madrid will be looking to get the much needed win, to keep their title hopes within reach.