A tipping point has seemingly been reached in world football’s increasingly hectic schedule, as evidenced by the several high-profile injuries in recent weeks leading up to the latest FIFA window.

"Serious cruciate ligament injury confirmed, I'll have to undergo surgery and be off the field for a few months," Carvajal said on Instagram as he posted his picture in an ambulance.

Two absolute screamers -- from Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior -- helped Real Madrid bounce back from their first defeat since January with a 2-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday in LaLiga.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday that two of the main factors behind his team's poor play this season are "lack of intensity in defence and slow ball circulation".

France captain Kylian Mbappe has been left out of his team's UEFA Nations League matches this month after coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday named his squad.

A first-half penalty earned Lille a shock 1-0 home victory over holders Real Madrid in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday, ending the 15-time European Cup winners' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition.

Real Madrid named Kylian Mbappe in their squad to face Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday after he missed one match with a thigh injury.

Los Blancos take on their rivals without the French forward, ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has suffered a muscle injury, the LaLiga club said on Wednesday, casting doubt over the French international's participation in the weekend derby against Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe was taken off after 80 minutes and appeared to be suffering some discomfort, holding the back of his thigh. "He's fine, he's fine, a little overloaded, he asked me for the change to avoid problems," explained Ancelotti.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Monday his team's "many styles" of play have helped them go 38 La Liga matches without defeat.

Vinicius Junior's decisive impact helped Real Madrid come from behind to beat a determined Espanyol side 4-1 on Saturday and move a point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on Friday brushed aside criticism of his side's unattractive style, saying winning was more important than playing well.

The first edition of the annual FIFA Intercontinental Cup for club teams from around the world will have five matches, with European Champions League winners Real Madrid to play in the final on Dec. 18 in Doha, the world soccer body said on Friday.

"He is able to do things that no-one can think of," Ancelotti said after the 18-year-old Endrick became the youngest Real Madrid player to score in any official international competition.

Kylian Mbappe scored on his first Champions League appearance for Real Madrid as the holders started their trophy defence with a 3-1 win over Stuttgart on Tuesday.

Midfielders Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and defender Eder Militao are set to be available for the match at the Santiago Bernabeu despite Militao missing training as he required an extra day to recover fully.

The format may be new, but few would bet against the winner staying the same.

"This decision is part of a series of measures the club has been taking to ensure strict compliance with current municipal regulations during concerts," the club said in a statement.

Kylian Mbappe's entourage said on Wednesday they had refused the French football league's (LFP) offer to act as a mediator between the France captain and Paris Saint-Germain in their dispute over unpaid wages and bonuses for the striker.