Three options for Jose Mourinho in case Kylian Mbappe doesn’t start vs Villarreal

Real Madrid were given a massive boost earlier this week as Kylian Mbappe 's knock against Turkiye did not appear to be as serious as many had expected.

That being said, the club must still take precaution with the Frenchman, who has once again been a key differentiator in the final third for Los Blancos.

Although Mbappe should be ready for the Villarreal game, Mourinho could consider benching him and, to that end, the Real Madrid manager certainly has a few alternatives.

Bellingham looks like Real Madrid's best goalscoring bet right now. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The first option would see Jude Bellingham deployed as a striker, with Arda Guler dropping into the playmaker role behind him.

This setup would allow Real Madrid to retain their creative spark through Guler, while Bellingham's late runs into the box could offer a genuine goal threat.