Despite the recent confirmation of a muscle injury that may keep him sidelined, Kylian Mbappe has still been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-player squad for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The French superstar appeared to be back to his best, netting a superb goal to give Madrid an early lead against Atalanta within 10 minutes of their 3-2 victory. However, just 25 minutes later, Mbappé was forced off with a thigh muscle injury, which Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti described as “not very serious.” Medical assessments at the club’s Valdebebas training facility later confirmed a muscle strain, with an estimated recovery time of around 10 days.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti initially minimized concerns. However, additional tests revealed the extent of the issue, ruling Mbappé out of the upcoming La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano and casting doubt on his participation in the Intercontinental Cup.
Mbappé had a slow start at Los Blancos, but his form has been steadily improving, with goals in his last two matches against Girona and Atalanta. This latest injury marks his second muscle issue since joining the Spanish club, following a hamstring problem in September that kept him out for three weeks.
The World Cup winner has netted 12 goals in his first 22 matches for Madrid, including nine in 15 La Liga appearances. His team is closing in on La Liga leaders Barcelona, with a game in hand that could see them overtake them this weekend, while they currently sit 20th in the revamped Champions League standings.
If Mbappe and Real Madrid do end up winning the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, it will be their second silverware of the season having already won the UEFA Super Cup in August.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
