Real Madrid intend to start Kylian Mbappé in Wednesday’s Champions League round-of-16 second leg, despite doubts about the forward’s fitness, sources have told ESPN.
Mbappé missed training with his teammates on Tuesday, after suffering a knock in Madrid’s 2-1 LaLiga win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with sources telling ESPN he would undergo a late test on Wednesday to determine his availability.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti was hopeful that Mbappé would be able to start the high-profile game, ESPN sources said, and the player has now been named in Madrid’s matchday squad.
Mbappé posted an image of himself training at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon.
Madrid beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the first leg at the Bernabéu last week, with Brahim Díaz scoring the winner after Rodrygo had put the home side ahead early on and Julián Álvarez had levelled for Atlético.
Mbappé’s subdued performance was met by some criticism, which teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni called “incredible” on Tuesday.
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“It’s incredible talking about ‘difficult days’ for him, when he hasn’t scored in two games,” Tchouameni said. “Kylian doesn’t need advice, he’s scored a lot of goals and he will score a lot of goals.”
The highlight of Mbappé’s season so far came in the playoff for the Champions League knockout phase, when he scored a hat trick against Manchester City at the Bernabéu.
The France international also scored against Rayo on Sunday, to make it 29 goals in all competitions this season.
