Carlo Ancelotti has involved Kylian Mbappe in the Real Madrid squad to face Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final, despite his injury concerns.
Kylian Mbappe scored in the UEFA Champions League for Real Madrid last week. Having opened Real's account against the Europa League champions Atalanta, the French superstar was then omitted from the match before the first half ended, due to a suspected thigh injury.
Consequently, Kylian Mbappe missed the league match against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, not even involved in the squad. The Real Madrid attack sufficed without him, scoring three goals, despite the game finishing 3-3.
Now, Carlo Ancelotti has made an interesting decision involving the Frenchman ahead of Real Madrid's fixture this week.
Carlo Ancelotti makes interesting Kylian Mbappe decision at Real Madrid
This week, Real Madrid face Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar. For this match, which kicks off on Wednesday evening, Real Madrid have already announced their squad.
Kylian Mbappe has featured in the squad, which indicates that he is ready to play in midweek. It remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti actually uses the Frenchman in the final, but it will mean a lot to Real Madrid fans that Mbappe is not seriously affected by his injury.
At the weekend, after the Intercontinental Cup final is played, Real Madrid host Sevilla in the Spanish capital. Common sense says that Ancelotti would prefer Mbappe back for league action, rather than the Qatar match in midweek.
Real Madrid have an incredibly congested fixture ahead of them. This was known before the season commenced, with the Spanish and European champions involved in a multitude of different competitions domestically, continentally and universally.
Real Madrid do have impressive squad depth. However, their unfortunate injury crisis means that Ancelotti's options are depleted. Therefore, he will be eager to have Mbappe back and ready for action.
However, Ancelotti does not need to rush Mbappe back into action. He does not play in a depleted position and actually, there are many Real Madrid attackers who would thrive if given the opportunity to replace him in the starting lineup.
Full Real Madrid squad for the Intercontinental Cup Final
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, González
Defenders: Vázquez, Vallejo, Fran García, Rüdiger, Youssef, Asencio, Lorenzo.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni, Güler, Ceballos.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim, Gonzalo, Muñoz.