Kylian Mbappe set to start against Atletico Madrid despite fitness doubts | OneFootball

Real Madrid have dealt with enough injuries in recent seasons to last them a decade, and just 24 hours ahead of their second leg derby clash with Atletico Madrid, all attention was on star signing Kylian Mbappe, but not for his contributions on the pitch. The French superstar missed the first half of their pre-match training session, but looks set to start.

There have been mixed reports on his fitness, with some claiming that Mbappe is recovering from a blow to his ankle suffered against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, when he was substituted after 78 minutes without any noticeable injury. Others say that he has muscular discomfort. Mbappe spent the first half hour of their training session on Tuesday night in the gym doing preventative work against injuries, before joining his teammates.

He was regarded as a doubt for the game, and as a result of the uncertainty over his fitness, Real Madrid delayed the release of their matchday squad. Mbappe has been included in the squad, and Marca say that he is set to start at the Metropolitano for the first time in his career. While the coaching staff, conscious of the intense game that awaits them, are keen for all of their players to be 100% if they are to start, Mbappe’s ‘sensations’ are good, and feels ready to start.

Image via Dennis Doyle / Getty Images

The 26-year-old looked as if he was hitting his best form against Manchester City in the previous round, but since has struggled to do the same. On Sunday he responded with a briliant goal against Rayo Vallecano, but was harshly criticised for his performance last week at the Santiago Bernabeu against Atletico Madrid, when a slack pass robbed Vinicius Junior of the chance to potentially finish the tie at 3-1. Mbappe is looking for his 30th goal of the season tonight though, and remains their most lethal threat in front of goal.