Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that he is confused by Kylian Mbappe's continued fitness struggles this season.
Mbappe arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer while recovering from a broken nose. France's captain had laboured through Euro 2024 with that debilitating injury, but started the season for Madrid in perfect health.
A complex standoff with his international manager Didier Deschamps has seen Mbappe sit out the previous two rounds of Nations League fixtures, affording the forward a far lighter workload than many of his teammates. Despite this reduced fixture list, Mbappe has been beset by various niggles and discomforts this season.
When reflecting on his player's latest muscular complaint this week, Ancelotti admitted that it is "hard to say where they come from". "In the last two breaks he has been here," the Italian added, "he has worked well and he has rested. His performance in recent times has improved a lot."
Madrid's number nine has only missed one club game - a capital derby against Atletico Madrid - this season, but has been forced off in discomfort on several occasions.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe scored against Atalanta before limping off in Bergamo / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages
As recently as Tuesday night, Mbappe could only last the first 35 minutes of Real Madrid's Champions League tie away to Atalanta. Ancelotti insisted that it was a minor injury at the time before subsequent reports emerged which suggested that the 25-year-old would miss ten days.
Speaking to the media ahead of Madrid's trip to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, Real's head coach confirmed that Mbappe would not be available for the next league match. However, Ancelotti reiterated his belief that the injury is "not serious" and revealed that the Frenchman would be part of Madrid's squad for next week's Intercontinental Cup final.
"He will travel to Qatar and there we will evaluate the risk and whether he can play or part of the game," the 65-year-old outlined. "Fortunately, he will only be out for a short period and will not lose what he has achieved in recent times."
Ancelotti also revealed that Mbappe's compatriot Eduardo Camavinga has overcome a hamstring injury and will be available for the visit to Vallecas this weekend.
Long-term absentees Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba remain sidelined, while left-back Ferland Mendy is not expected to reappear from the treatment room until the end of December.
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