Real Madrid handed huge boost as Kylian Mbappe set to return for UEFA Champions League clash against Lille: Report
Kylian Mbappe will be available for selection for Real Madrid's Champions League game against Lille on Wednesday, October 2, according to journalist Carlos Rodriguez. The Frenchman missed the weekend's 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid due to a thigh injury.
Mbappe completed his much discussed move to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired. Los Blancos had been hot on his heels for a while and previously failed to get their man on two occasions.
The 25-year-old was very quick off the blocks with the La Liga champions, scoring in his debut in the UEFA Super Cup. Kylian Mbappe has since become a key figure for Real Madrid this season, registering seven goals and one assist from nine games across competitions.
Unfortunately, the Frenchman picked up a knock during the game against Alaves last week and had to sit out of the Madrid derby. It was previously believed that the player would be sidelined for three weeks, which was a huge blow to Los Blancos.
However, it now appears that the former PSG man has recovered quicker than expected and could be back within a week. The Spanish champions have already included the player in their squad for the game against Lille.
Unless something drastic happens between now and kickoff, Kylian Mbappe could feature against the Ligue 1 giants. However, he is unlikely to start the game and is expected to make an appearance from the bench.
Mbappe is apparently desperate to take the field on his return to France for the first time as a Real Madrid player. He is also keen to face off against his younger brother Ethan, who plays for Lille.
Can Kylian Mbappe hit top form with Real Madrid?
Kylian Mbappe has operated in a central forward position since joining Real Madrid. The Frenchman, interestingly, prefers to play in the left forward role, which is taken by Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian has been in impeccable form for Los Blancos in recent times and is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or this year. As such, it is unlikely that Mbappe will be allowed to operate in his ideal position any time soon.
Despite a change of role, the Frenchman has still been quite impressive this season. He has averaged three dribbles, 1.3 key passes, and 5.6 shots per game in La Liga.
The presence of Carlo Ancelotti, one of the best in the business, is likely to help the player assert his dominance in Spain. As such, it is likely that Real Madrid will witness the best version of Kylian Mbappe as the season progresses.