Real Madrid chooses Mbappé's replacement

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La Liga

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Real Madrid Sevilla

18/10/26 21:00:00

1.22 6.25 10.00

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Latest news at Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé, a 27-year-old forward, will be out for at least the next few weeks after injuring his left knee while playing for France. The club will have to cover his minutes during this period, and Carlos Espí, a 21-year-old forward, emerges as the main alternative in the squad after his signing from Levante in July.

Kylian Mbappé opens an opportunity for Carlos Espí

Mbappé got injured on September 25 during the Turkey-France match, after scoring the 0-1. The French Federation confirmed a tendon injury in his left knee and his departure from the camp, while Real Madrid had to conduct further tests to determine the full extent. The white club announced that the attacker will be out, at least, for 12 days.

The issue arises after Mbappé had already suffered a sprain in that same knee in March 2026, when Real Madrid opted for a conservative treatment. The new episode now requires monitoring his progress before setting a specific return date.

With Mbappé out for the upcoming matches, Espí gains space in the offensive rotation. The forward has 2 goals in 5 matches and 26 minutes during his first season with Real Madrid, according to the club's official records.

One of those goals came against Elche on September 15. Espí scored the 2-3 final goal in added time after receiving an assist from Mbappé, securing the team the three points at Martínez Valero.

🚨 MEDICAL REPORT

🏥 Kylian Mbappé, out for 10 to 15 days due to a posterior capsule hyperextension of his left knee https://t.co/8tRtz2ogHe

— Tiempo de Juego (@tjcope) September 26, 2026

Real Madrid had already prepared Mbappé's replacement

The addition of Espí was finalized on July 30, 2026, when Real Madrid agreed on his transfer from Levante and signed the forward until June 30, 2031. The club then announced that he had played 66 matches and scored 20 goals with the Valencian team.

Espí arrived at 21 years old, after being named the best under-23 player of LaLiga 2025/26. He is also an international player with Spain Under-19 and Under-20, a fact that reinforces his profile within the squad planning.

The forward's response during his initial minutes has also changed his position within the rotation. AS counts 26 minutes and two goals, while Real Madrid has already used him as an offensive resource in different scenarios during September.

Additionally, Espí recently explained that José Mourinho asks him to assist Mbappé when they are on the field together. That role now takes on another dimension as the Frenchman remains sidelined due to injury.

France returns Mbappé to Real Madrid

The injury also alters the plans of France, losing Mbappé for the rest of the camp after the game against Turkey. The team led by Zinedine Zidane must now face their upcoming commitments without their captain.

The next step will be in Madrid, where Mbappé has learned the extent of his injury and the club's medical team will monitor his progress. As the Frenchman recovers from his knee issues, Carlos Espí will have a concrete chance to increase his minutes, and Real Madrid will have to decide how to distribute the attack until Kylian Mbappé returns.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Real Madrid elige al sustituto de Mbappé