Just as Kylian Mbappe was finding his Real Madrid rhythm, he has suffered an injury setback.

The world was starting to get used to seeing the iconic Frenchman draped in that famous all-white kit, but he is set to miss the next three weeks after sustaining a leg injury.

The reigning European and Spanish champions' performances have come in for criticism early this season, with Mbappe's arrival often pointed to as the catalyst for unbalance in Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI.

But without Mbappe - one of only two natural centre forward options in the first team - how will Madrid line up?

Here are three different systems they should trial.

Endrick gets a run

If Ancelotti wants to continue playing the same way, then he will almost certainly throw in Endrick for this upcoming run of games without Mbappe, which starts with a trip across town to Atletico on Sunday.

Though still only 18, Endrick has already demonstrated the mentality needed to cope with the pressures of representing Madrid, scoring twice in his seven sporadic appearances for the club thus far.

Leading the line may not spook him, but Atletico will be a stern test of his temperament having controversially avoided a red card in Tuesday's win against Deportivo Alaves. There isn't any doubting his football ability, however.

Potential lineup

(4-2-3-1): Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Endrick

Rodrygo's new role

Often the forgotten star in Madrid's forward ranks, there is a case for Rodrygo to get the nod centrally and Endrick to move out wide instead.

Hear us out. Endrick, though an excellent finisher, has a penchant for cutting in from the right half space onto his left foot. If he started on the right wing, his game wouldn't change too much.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, is one of the world's most intelligent attacking players, popping up all over the place to come up with goals. His movement, in tandem with this tactical switchup, could pose problems for Madrid's opposition.

Just a thought.

Potential lineup

(4-2-3-1): Endrick, Bellingham, Vinicius; Rodrygo

Back to Bellingham

The story goes that Ancelotti wanted to bring in Harry Kane in 2023 when Karim Benzema departed Madrid. However, the club knocked back this request and the Italian had to make do with loanee Joselu as his only striker.

Instead, Ancelotti turned to new signing Jude Bellingham as an advanced midfielder, crashing into the box with wingers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo playing much narrower. A star was born and a winning formula was found.

It'd be a minor kick in the teeth to Endrick to deploy Bellingham in this role again, but he will get other opportunities in future to impress. If Madrid want to breathe fresh life into their La Liga title defence, then perhaps they should stick to what they know.

Potential lineup

(4-3-1-2): Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius

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Kylian Mbappe will miss around three weeks of action due to a leg injury picked up in Real Madrid's win against Deportivo Alaves on Tuesday night.

The forward scored the second goal in a 3-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu before having to be withdrawn with discomfort in his left leg.

Though there were hopes that the issue was minor and he wouldn't miss any matches at all, his injury is a little more serious than first thought.

A statement from Madrid on Wednesday read: "Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid's Medical Services on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg. His progress will be monitored."

As first reported by The Athletic, Mbappe is set for a three-week spell on the sidelines before he is able to return to action.

This means he will not be able to partake in this Sunday's hotly-anticipated derby away at Atletico. Madrid will then travel to Lille in the UEFA Champions League on October 1 before hosting Villarreal prior to the international break.

Upon return to club action, Madrid will hope to have Mbappe available for matches against Celta Vigo (October 19), Borussia Dortmund (October 22) and then El Clasico rivals Barcelona (October 26).

Mbappe is the latest Madrid player to pick up an injury this season. Brahim Diaz, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba are all currently on the treatment table, while Jude Bellingham only recently returned to full fitness.

Meanwhile, France will have to make do without Mbappe for their October UEFA Nations League fixtures with Israel and Belgium.

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