Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe is still in contention to feature in the Intercontinental Cup final next week, despite suffering a hamstring problem on Tuesday. Mbappe went down against Atalanta in the Champions League and had to be substituted after half an hour.
In theory, Mbappe was ruled out for 10 days, but his muscle strain is not serious, and it appears they may risk him, with 8 days between the injury and the game against Pachuca or Al-Ahly.
Ancelotti told the press that Eduardo Camavinga was also back from injury to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night.
“Kylian’s thing is not serious, he will not be there tomorrow, but he will travel to Qatar and there, we will evaluate the risk. Camavinga is fine. Available for tomorrow.”
Mbappe has suffered muscle injuries on two occasions this season, having generally been injury-free throughout his career, and Ancelotti was asked whether it was down to the heavy schedule of matches.
“It’s a difficult thing. In the last few breaks he has been here, resting, working… we don’t know. Fortunately, he will only be out for a short period and I don’t thnkwill not lose what he has achieved recently in terms of momentum.”
On the whole though, the feeling at Real Madrid is positive after their victory over Atalanta.
Carlo Ancelotti on #Vinicius 🗣️
"For us, he continues to be the best in the world, with enormous humility, which is not usual for a player of his level. But the level he is at does not surprise us." #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/MEc9zwZ0tH
— Football España (@footballespana_) December 13, 2024
“Yes, because it was an important moment… and we had a tough night. There was a lot of commitment, attitude. Collective work. It was a complete game that added optimism, of course. Wednesday is very important, but for now we only think about tomorrow.”
Despite Mbappe’s early exit from the game, the feeling in the Spanish capital is that Carlo Ancelotti has finally hit on the right configuration in attack, with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior ahead of Jude Bellingham. It’s less positive prognosis for Mbappe’s replacement on the night, Rodrygo Goes, who looks set for the bench when all are fit.