Real Madrid handed major boost as 25-year-old star returns to training ahead of FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca: Reports
Real Madrid have been handed a massive boost as Kylian Mbappe has returned to training. The Frenchman has traveled with the Spanish giants to Qatar, where they will face Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday, December 18.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Mbappe has started training with the Real Madrid squad. He has reported that the striker will be in the matchday squad this week and could take to the pitch on Wednesday.
Mbappe had to be subbed off with a thigh issue during Los Blancos' Champions League clash against Atalanta last week. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti stated that the injury was not serious and added that they would be taking the forward to Qatar. He said (via GOAL):
“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. 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.”
He added:
"[Mbappe] has a strain, some discomfort in his thigh. We'll have to see. It doesn't look serious, but I don't know, we'll see tomorrow. He couldn't sprint. It was bothering him, so we had to substitute him."
Kylian Mbappe missed the match against Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, which Real Madrid drew 3-3. They also rested Vinicius Jr at the start, but the Brazilian winger came on after the hour mark.
Carlo Ancelotti confident about Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid
Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti has backed Kylian Mbappe to get back to his best. He stated that the forward is not pushing for the left-wing spot and has confirmed that there have been no talks about him playing in a certain position for Real Madrid. He said (via ESPN):
"Kylian has never asked me to play in a certain position on the pitch. He and Vinícius [Junior] don't have fixed positions on the pitch, they can switch position depending on the circumstances in the game. Every great forward has had a bad run, there are moments when they aren't scoring. [Mbappé] looks motivated, and happy in training with his teammates, I only see that. The run will end sooner or later, I'm convinced he'll have a good game tomorrow, it's just a matter of time."
Kylian Mbappe has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 22 matches for Real Madrid this season.