Carlo Ancelotti is “optimistic” Kylian Mbappe will be fit to feature for Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday.
Mbappe was forced off with a thigh injury during Madrid’s Champions League victory over Atalanta last but was named in Ancelotti’s squad for the final of the new annual tournament, which is replacing the updated quadrennial Club World Cup.
Madrid face CONCACAF Champions Cup winners Pachuca at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
“The situation is simple, he has trained well, he has done sprints in distance, everything went well,” said Ancelotti, who will claim his 15th major trophy as Madrid manager with victory in Doha, surpassing the previous record held by Miguel Munoz (14).
He added: “He’s going to talk to the doctors and if he’s fine he’ll play, if there’s a minimum risk he won’t. After yesterday’s training session we’re optimistic.”
Mbappe has scored 12 goals across all competitions for Ancelotti’s side this season since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu following the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
The France international has primarily been deployed as a centre-forward at Madrid and is yet to rediscover the form that saw him score 44 goals for PSG last term.
Asked for his assessment on Mbappe’s impact since joining the club, Ancelotti said: “I think he honestly hasn’t reached his best level yet. But we are very happy to have him, he can play in any position: up top, on the left wing. Honestly, with the quality he has, he can play wherever he wants.”
He added: “I understand the criticism because Madrid win the Champions League and in the summer the best player in the world arrives. The criticism starts from there.”
Vinicius Junior is also part of the squad having made his return from injury in Tuesday’s Champions League win in Bergamo.
GO DEEPER
Kylian Mbappe hasn’t looked himself at Real Madrid. Are things beginning to change?
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