Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Kylian Mbappe is still eligible to feature in next week's Intercontinental Cup final despite a hamstring problem on Tuesday. Mbappé lost against Atalanta in the Champions League and had to be substituted after half an hour.
In theory, Mbappé was ruled out for ten days, but his muscle strain is not serious and it looks like they could put him at risk, with eight days between the injury and the match against Pachuca or Al-Ahly.
Ancelotti told the press that Eduardo Camavinga was also back from injury on Saturday evening to face Rayo Vallecano.
“Kylian's case 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 two muscle injuries this season after generally remaining injury-free throughout his career. Ancelotti was asked whether this had to do with the tough match schedule.
“It's a difficult thing. The last few breaks he's been here, resting, working… we don't know. Fortunately, he will only be out for a short period and I don't think he will lose what he has gained in terms of momentum lately.”
Overall, however, the feeling at Real Madrid is positive after the victory over Atalanta.
“Yes, because it was an important moment… and we had a tough night. There was a lot of commitment and attitude. Collective work. It was a complete game that of course created optimism. Wednesday is very important, but for now we are only thinking about tomorrow.”
Despite Mbappe's early exit from the game, the feeling in the Spanish capital is that Carlo Ancelotti has finally found the right attacking configuration, with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior ahead of Jude Bellingham. The prognosis is less positive for Mbappé's replacement tonight, Rodrygo Goes, who seems ready for the bench if everyone is fit.
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