Kylian Mbappe appears to have suffered a major injury ahead of the World Cup as he asked to be taken off during Real Madrid's latest match.
With just a handful of matches left in the season for clubs across Europe, both fans and players are starting to look ahead to the World Cup ahead of it kicking off in the summer.
The USA, Canada and Mexico will co-host the major international tournament with Mexico welcoming South Africa in the opening fixture on June 11.
As is always the case at the World Cup, almost all of the biggest names in the sport are expected to arrive in North America to represent their country on the biggest stage.
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However, there are a number of high-profile players that have been ruled out of the World Cup this summer due to injuries, with Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal the latest concern following his recent injury.
But now, Mbappe has joined the list of potential doubts for the World Cup after the Frenchman asked to be taken off during Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Betis on Friday night.
The prolific striker, who has scored 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions this season, requested to come off in the closing stages of his 100th Real Madrid appearance with a suspected hamstring strain.
Initially, the extent of Mbappe's injury was not known, but according to Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez, the 27-year-old has suffered an overload in the hamstring of his left leg.
As he came off in the 81st minute, Mbappe walked right past the dugout and instead headed straight to the dressing room with Gonzalo Garcia replacing him on the pitch.
"I have no idea [what's wrong with Mbappe]," Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa said in his postmatch press conference.
"He felt some discomfort. We'll see how he evolves over the next few days."
Just minuted after Mbappe's withdrawal a 94th-minute equaliser from former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin saw the match end in a draw, leaving Madrid eight points behind historic rivals Barcelona who travel to play Getafe on Saturday.
Although it is not yet known exactly how long Mbappe will be sidelined by the injury, it is likely he will be out for Madrid's match against Espanyol on May 3 and potentially their Clasico clash with Barcelona a week later.
Who will France play at the World Cup?
But it's not just Real Madrid fans that will be concerned by Mbappe's injury, as France supporters will no doubt be closely following his progress ahead of the World Cup this summer.
Mbappe is perhaps the most important player in Didier Deschamps' squad and losing him to injury so late in the season could prove disastrous for their hopes of reclaiming the World Cup trophy.
Les Bleus are in Group I for the tournament and will face Senegal in their opening fixture on Tuesday, June 16 before playing Iraq six days later on Monday, June 22.
France will conclude their group stage campaign with a clash against Norway on Friday, June 26.
Topics: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, Injury, Football, France
Ben McCrum