Real Madrid dealt major setback before derby against Atletico with Kylian Mbappe sidelined due to leg injury

Real Madrid's chances in their upcoming La Liga derby against Atletico have taken a hit with the news that star striker Kylian Mbappe will be sidelined due to a leg injury. The French forward, who scored in the recent victory over Deportivo Alaves, had to be substituted off the pitch with the injury. The club confirmed that Mbappe will be out of action for the next three weeks, a setback that may also prevent him from participating in France's upcoming international fixtures.

Parte médico de Mbappé. #RealMadrid

"Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid's medical services on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg," said the Spanish champions in a statement.

The forward was in fine form in build up to the match having scored in the UEFA Super Cup and the Champions League. However, the latest injury blow comes at a bad time as they face arch-rivals Atletico on Sunday at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Madrid, a point behind leaders Barcelona ahead of the Catalans' match on Wednesday against Getafe, visit the Metropolitano stadium on Sunday to face rivals Atletico.

Los Blancos have not been beaten in La Liga for 39 games, since a defeat at Atletico a year ago.

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The striker is also set to miss the visit to Lille in the Champions League next week and potentially October's Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium with France.

Mbappe joined Real Madrid this summer at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, fulfilling a long-held dream.

The 25-year-old hit his stride in recent matches after taking a few games to find his footing in the Spanish capital.

Mbappe has seven goals in nine appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, scoring in the UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta in August and on his Champions League debut.