Mbappe Skips Majority of Real Madrid Training but Expected to Play Against Atletico

Kylian Mbappe was largely absent from Real Madrid’s training session on Tuesday, as preparations ramped up for their derby showdown against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, due to muscle discomfort, according to club sources.

Mbappe remained at the club’s training facilities undertaking individual exercises but did participate in the last 30 minutes with the team, and club officials have assured that his availability for Wednesday’s encounter is not compromised.

Real Madrid will head into the match with a slim advantage after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu last week over their historic rivals.

The forward’s fitness has been under scrutiny since he missed the Spanish Cup fixture against Real Sociedad two weeks ago, following a dental procedure.

Since then, his performances have raised concerns; he has found the net only once in the past three matches and was substituted in two of those outings.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has faced a barrage of questions regarding Mbappe’s form, firmly denying that the star forward is facing an undisclosed injury while remaining tight-lipped about his starting line-up for Wednesday’s match.

“I have more than eleven players for this fixture; those who don’t start will still play their part in some way… A well-timed substitution can alter the course of the game,” Ancelotti remarked during a press conference on Tuesday.

“Derbies are always tightly contested. Sometimes we prevail, sometimes they do. Tomorrow will be no different; it will be decided by minor details. That’s how it often goes,” he continued.

“Our objective is clear: we aim to reach the quarter-finals, regardless of the players involved. Practicing penalties is challenging, but we’re not focused on that right now. Our priority is to prepare for the match effectively…”