Real Madrid legend backs Endrick to shine in Kylian Mbappe's absence | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes believes Endrick has what it takes to step up in place of Kylian Mbappe while the French star is sidelined with a leg injury.

Mbappe is set to miss around three weeks of action for the Spanish giants after picking up an injury in their 3-2 win over Alaves on Tuesday. While fans first hoped that his substitution in that game was a precaution, it was later revealed that the forward could miss around three weeks for Madrid, raising questions over who would start in his place.

Morientes believes the club have the answer to Mbappe's replacement, pointing towards a certain Brazilian wonderkid.

"I really like Endrick's personality," he told AS. "It's not easy when you come to Madrid at such a young age. You have to be there to realise the club's status.

Mbappe will miss Madrid's upcoming fixtures / David Ramos/GettyImages

"Everything is magnified. For better or worse. The impact is worldwide. That can also affect you mentally. And Endrick has come very young, he has adapted very well and is showing a lot of personality. He is a boy who has characteristics that can fit in very well with what is up front.

"Even with Arda Guler, with Jude Bellingham who comes from behind. If Mbappe is not there, as now, he is undoubtedly an alternative."

Morientes also explained the impact of Mbappe's injury, detailing how it may affect the squad.

"Injuries never come at a good time," Morientes said. "It usually happens, especially to players who are under stress, their arrival at Madrid, what has happened, that pressure. He has also played a lot of minutes, but we have to take the bull by the horns and recover as soon as possible. He is a very strong guy physically and they will put a stop to that injury, which I am sure will not be serious."

Carlo Ancelotti's side are set to return to action on Sunday when they face Atletico in the Madrid derby. They remain just behind rivals Barcelona in the league, unbeaten so far in 2024/25.