Kylian Mbappé will return straight to Real Madrid’s starting side against Villarreal on Saturday night after recovering from the knee problem he suffered while on France duty.
The France captain was hurt in Turkey on 25 September, raising concerns over his availability, but he has been selected for the Liga meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 as Real play their eighth league match of the campaign.
Mbappé leads changed Madrid attack
José Mourinho has kept faith with Mbappé, who has played every minute of Real Madrid’s league season so far. He will operate alongside Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler and summer arrival Yan Diomandé.
Vinicius Junior has been left among the substitutes after a difficult recent spell. The Brazilian’s place goes to Diomandé, while Mbappé is handed an immediate chance to show that the injury sustained with Les Bleus is behind him.
Real’s French contingent is also prominent in the starting XI, with Ibrahima Konaté and Aurélien Tchouaméni both selected.
Chance to cut the scoring gap
Mbappé begins the weekend on seven Liga goals, five behind Barcelona forward Raphinha, who has 12. Raphinha has been rested by Hansi Flick for Barcelona’s match against Getafe, giving the former Paris Saint-Germain forward an opportunity to reduce the difference.
The Villarreal fixture carries weight beyond the individual scoring race. Depending on Barcelona’s result, Madrid could take the field nine points behind the league leaders, placing further pressure on Mourinho’s side to deliver at home.
