Audio By Carbonatix
Kylian Mbappé will be assessed after suffering a mild ankle sprain in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday, coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed.
Forward Mbappé was substituted in the 83rd minute at the Santiago Bernabéu, two minutes after scoring Madrid's third goal -- a strike which made it a career-best nine consecutive games scoring for club and country.
Madrid will play next on Oct. 19, with LaLiga taking a break for international matches this week.
"I can't say [Mbappé won't go away with France]," Alonso said in his postmatch news conference. "Right now he has some discomfort. They'll have to evaluate it with the national team.
"We hope it isn't serious. But right now we can't say anything."
France are due to play Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying on Friday, followed by Iceland three days later.
Mbappé passed up the opportunity to score earlier in Saturday's game, when he allowed Vinícius Júnior to take a penalty after the Brazilian was fouled in the box.
Vinícius converted the spot kick for his second goal of the game, but Alonso said Mbappé remains Madrid's designated penalty taker.
"[The players] decided, but the taker is Kylian," Alonso said. "We believe in him. It was their decision but the first choice is Kylian."
Alonso praised the performance of Federico Valverde at right back -- after the midfielder was forced to release a statement this week denying that he had refused to play in the position -- and described the impact of Vinícius as "decisive."
"Vini had a very good game," Alonso said. "I'm very happy with him. I like seeing Vini smile and enjoy himself. He could have had a hat trick, which would have finished off the all-round game he had."
Latest Stories
-
IGP Yohuno has promoted 12,802 police officers in the first six weeks of 2026
1 minute -
Goldbod jewellery warns public against fake ‘Gold Investment’ schemes
19 minutes -
It’s unfortunate and disturbing – Akwatia MP reacts to ‘galamsey tax’ exposé
19 minutes -
U20 WWCQ: Black Princesses arrive in Nelspruit ahead of South Africa clash
19 minutes -
2,800 vulnerable people receive Ramadan food support in Greater Kumasi
28 minutes -
Bid launched to extend Zimbabwe president’s term in office
29 minutes -
Align domestic reforms with Pan-African goals – Armah-Kofi Buah urges African nations
30 minutes -
Ato is not ‘forcing’ for farmers—Zaato
30 minutes -
Alleged vote-buying won’t affect Baba Jamal’s chances in Ayawaso East by-election – NDC
35 minutes -
Ghana showcases mining strength and reforms at Mining Indaba 2026
35 minutes -
71% of Ghanaians worried about rising food prices, despite 68% approval for Mahama – IEA survey
39 minutes -
Antoine Semenyo enjoying ‘fairytale’ start to Manchester City career
1 hour -
Semenyo is an ‘incredible signing’ – Pep Guardiola on Ghanaian forward
1 hour -
ASID 2026: Leaders urge stronger laws to protect children online
1 hour -
Mohammed Fuseini scores in Royale Union Saint-Gilloise win over Charleroi
2 hours
