Opponent watch: Real Madrid sweating over key superstar’s fitness ahead of Barcelona clash | OneFootball

After it was confirmed that Franco Mastantuono will be returning to Real Madrid from the Argentina camp, FC Barcelona’s bitter rivals have been dealt another fitness setback.

Two weeks before the first El Clasico, Real Madrid are now left sweating over the fitness of superstar Kylian Mbappe after he suffered an ankle injury while with the French national team.

Indeed, the France camp has announced that the 26-year-old will be leaving the national team to return to his club after suffering an ankle injury in the game against Azerbaijan on Friday night.

“Kylian Mbappe suffered a blow to his right ankle and was forced to leave the match against Azerbaijan (3-0) on Friday evening in Paris at the Parc des Princes,” France’s statement read.

“Upon the French delegation’s return to Clairefontaine, the French team captain spoke with Didier Deschamps. He will not be able to play Monday, October 13 in Reykjavik against Iceland.”

“The national coach has confirmed his withdrawal. Kylian Mbappe has been released to his club and will not be replaced.”

Mbappe will thus miss France’s game against Iceland next week and will fly back to Spain, where Real Madrid will conduct further tests and assess his condition.

The 26-year-old had already sprained his ankle last week in the La Liga game against Villarreal and has now suffered a blow to the same region.

So, Real Madrid will be sweating over his availability ahead of the game against Barcelona, set to be played in two weeks, on 26 October, at the Santiago Bernabeu.