Carlo Ancelotti puzzled by Kylian Mbappe’s injury issues as Real Madrid boss provides update on Intercontinental Cup final involvement

World Cup winner Mbappe registered his 12th goal of the season for Real in their Champions League clash with Atalanta, but was replaced in the 36th minute of that contest after picking up knock. It was later revealed that the Frenchman is nursing a thigh complaint.

It was initially suggested that Mbappe could be sidelined for 10 days, ruling him out of a Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday and an Intercontinental Cup tie that will see more major silverware come up for grabs.

Ancelotti has, however, revealed that Mbappe will be travelling to Qatar with the rest of the Blancos squad. He said when asked for an update on the 25-year-old forward: “Mbappe isn't anything very serious. He won't be there for the match [against Vallecano], [but] he'll travel to Qatar and see if he can play part of the [Intercontinental Cup] without risk.”

Asked to try and explain Mbappe’s fitness issues, having seen him granted rest periods during the last two international breaks, Ancelotti admits it is “hard to say where they come from.” He went on to say: “In the last two breaks he has been here, he has worked well and he has rested. His performance in recent times has improved a lot. Fortunately it is a small period and he will not lose what he has achieved lately.”

Mbappe has registered four goals for Real through his last six appearances in all competitions, with the latest ‘Galactico’ addition at Santiago Bernabeu seemingly beginning to find his feet after a testing start to life in the Spanish capital.