Real Madrid star doubtful for Champions League second leg after injury scare | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe will face a late fitness test ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg against Atletico Madrid after an ankle injury forced him to miss part of Tuesday's training session.

Madrid battled to a 2-1 win at home in the first leg but head to the Metropolitano on Wednesday knowing they still have plenty of work to do to overcome their city rivals, who have lost just once on home soil this season across all competitions.

Alarmingly, Madrid may have to tackle the game without Mbappe after Cadena SER revealed he did not start Tuesday's training session because of an ankle knock which he picked up late in the weekend's victory over Rayo Vallecano.

MARCA state Mbappe's absence was actually due to a muscular issue but, regardless of the specifics, it is understood his involvement in Wednesday's crunch clash with Atletico is now in serious doubt.

Mbappe did join in the training session later on but did not involve himself in anything too strenuous, with Madrid now working to ensure he is fit enough to play a role in the second leg.

Even if Mbappe is passed fit for the game, the Frenchman could start on the substitute's bench if he is not capable of playing 90 minutes.

Mbappe's absence would likely see Vinicius Junior shifted into a central role, with Brahim Diaz or Arda Guler among those hoping to join Madrid's attacking line. 18-year-old Endrick is a natural replacement but does not appear to have Carlo Ancelotti's full trust, having played fewer than 500 minutes across 27 appearances this season. The young Brazilian played just one minute off the bench in the first leg.