Mbappe Misses Part Of Training Before Champions League Clash With Atletico Madrid

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Carlo Ancelotti sidestepped inquiries regarding Kylian Mbappe's involvement in Real Madrid's upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. The second leg of the last 16 is set for Wednesday. Mbappe, who has netted 28 goals across all competitions this season, missed a significant portion of team training on Tuesday due to muscle discomfort, according to club sources.

Despite his absence from most of the session, Mbappe engaged in some individual exercises. Club officials reported that he joined his teammates for the final 30 minutes of training. Real Madrid assured that his participation against Diego Simeone's side, whom they lead 2-1 from the first leg, was not at risk.

Mbappe's fitness has been under scrutiny since he missed a Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad two weeks ago after undergoing a dental procedure. Since then, his performances have been below par in three consecutive games, with only one goal scored and substitutions in two matches.

Real Madrid has a strong track record in progressing from Champions League ties when winning the first leg. They have advanced in 21 out of their last 22 such instances, with the exception being against Ajax in the 2018-19 season. Under Ancelotti's leadership, they have progressed nine out of nine times.

Ancelotti expressed confidence ahead of the second leg, stating that his team is prepared regardless of Mbappe's availability. "I have more than eleven players for this match. Those who don't play will also contribute in some shape or form," Ancelotti remarked.

The coach emphasised that derby matches are often tightly contested. "A derby is always a very close game. Sometimes we win and sometimes they win," he noted. He believes small details will determine the outcome and stressed their aim to reach the quarter-finals regardless of which players are on the field.

Focus on Game Strategy

Ancelotti mentioned that rehearsing penalties is challenging but not their current focus. "Rehearsing penalties is difficult, but we are not thinking about that at the moment," he stated. Instead, their attention is on executing their game plan effectively.

The anticipation surrounding Mbappe’s condition adds intrigue to an already intense matchup between these fierce rivals. The outcome could hinge on tactical adjustments and player contributions beyond just the starting eleven.