Kylian Mbappe gave another indication that Real Madrid were finding their feet with a stunning goal at Atalanta, but it didn't last long as it didn't take long to secure what became a much-needed victory.
Carlo Ancelotti's European champions desperately needed to bounce back from their defeat to Liverpool last time and salvage their continental campaign. Mbappé produced a superb touch and finish from Brahim Diaz's pass to score his 50th UEFA Champions League goal - the fourth-fastest player to reach the milestone.
However, in the 35th minute in Bergamo, with the Serie A leaders struggling to find a way back into the game, things took a turn for Real's latest Galactico.
Kylian Mbappe injury news:
The game was stopped with Mbappe sitting on the ground, knees bent and seemingly immediately aware that his night was over.
As the France international quickly got to his feet, leaving the pitch under his control without showing any immediate signs of visible discomfort, his game was over.
He said something as he walked past Carlo Ancelotti and headed straight for the bench, and Madrid's staff knew there was a problem ahead. As soon as Mbappe entered the pitch, Rodrygo began to undress and was ready to tackle.
After the match, Ancelotti said he had no significant level of concern for the Frenchman, but he was suffering from a fungal problem. "Mbappé's problem is overload, the hamstring problem," Ancelotti told Spanish broadcaster Movistar after the match. "It doesn't look like anything serious. He couldn't sprint, it bothered him a bit, so we decided to change it."
While this isn't too concerning for his long-term prospects, hamstring problems are tricky and he could be forced to sit out in a bid to see himself back to full fitness.
How long will Kylian Mbappe miss with a thigh injury?
We don't know at this stage how many games Kylian Mbappe could miss due to his injury. While initial concerns don't seem to indicate anything serious, hamstring injuries can take time to heal.
According to Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Mbappe will undergo tests to determine the extent of the problem, but the club considers his injury to be "minor" in extent.
It is reasonable to expect Mbappe to be in the squad for the recently concluded Intercontinental Cup, in which Real Madrid will compete in the final on December 18 in Qatar. With such a new competition, the Intercontinental Cup is unlikely to be important enough for the club to risk Mbappé if he is not fully fit.
From there, Los Blancos host Sevilla on December 22 in La Liga before taking a break for the holidays, returning against Valencia on January 3.
Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid Review
The goal against Atalanta was Mbappe's 12th in 21 appearances since joining Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, he could face a second injury lay-off after missing the 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid in El Derbi with a muscle complaint.
When Mbappe played this season, it was often debated how close he was to his peak. The 25-year-old has been absent from France's last two internationals.
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