Kylian Mbappe dropped? Carlo Ancelotti says bench role may 'benefit' struggling Real Madrid star as coach admits forward is 'not playing at his best'

Ancelotti has hinted that Mbappe could be dropped amid a poor run of form that has seen him struggle to hit top form. The France superstar has scored eight La Liga goals but five of those came across four games, and he has scored just three times in their last seven league games. He also missed a vital penalty against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Ancelotti is facing mounting pressure as Madrid have lost five games in all competitions already this season, and are beginning to lag behind in La Liga; they are four points off leaders Barcelona. Zinedine Zidane has even been linked with a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu, such is the alarm over the club's results, and Ancelotti accepts that Mbappe has yet to truly settle.

Ancelotti said: "He is aware of this because he spoke out after the match and we are with him. He is not playing his best, there are many who don't realise this but he is aware that he is not playing his best."

He added: "We have to evaluate everything, I think that in terms of intensity and speed he has improved. It doesn't mean that he has to play every game, sometimes he can benefit from a rest."

Madrid face Girona this weekend before a huge clash with Atalanta in the Champions League in Italy, as Los Blancos aim to turn their form around.