Carlo Ancelotti provides Kylian Mbappe fitness update ahead of Real Madrid's clash against Pachuca

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided a fitness update on Kylian Mbappe ahead of Real Madrid's clash against Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. The match is slated for December 18, at Lusail Stadium, Qatar.

Kylian Mbappe picked up an injury in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League clash against Atalanta BC on December 10 at Gewiss Stadium. The French star forward netted his 50th goal in the competition, opening the scoring for Los Blancos just 10 minutes into the clash. However, his time on the pitch was cut short after he sustained an apparent muscle injury in the 35th minute and was replaced by Rodrygo.

Real Madrid later announced that medical tests revealed that Mbappe had suffered a thigh injury in his left leg. The 25-year-old has missed only one match since the injury.

While speaking to the press ahead of Real Madrid's clash against Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Kylian Mbappe's fitness. The Italian tactician said (via Madrid Universal):

"It’s simple: yesterday he trained well, he had a good feeling. He did sprints and everything went well. Today’s is an important training session, where we will evaluate the sensations and the risk."

"If he’s fine, talking to the doctors, he’ll play. If there is a minimum risk, obviously not. But the sensations yesterday were very good. We are optimistic," added Ancelotti.

While Kylian Mbappe has traveled to Doha and was back in training on Monday, it remains to be seen if he returns to the pitch for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.

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"He can play in any position" - Carlo Ancelotti when asked if Kylian Mbappe is playing in his best position at Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe signed a five-year contract with Los Blancos in June after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired. However, since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mbappe has received criticism for not living up to his lofty standards with the the LaLiga giants.

With Carlo Ancelotti's squad having a star-studded front line, the Italian manager was asked if Mbappe is playing in his best position. The former AC Milan coach replied (via Madrid Universal):

"Kylian is a fantastic player and, honestly, I don’t think he’s at his best yet. In the last few games he has improved, but he’s not at his best, yet. He can play in any position: forward, left-wing… wherever you put him. With the quality he has, he can play wherever he wants."

Kylian Mbappe has registered 12 goals and two assists in 22 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos this season.