Mbappe sits out part of Madrid training ahead of Atletico second leg

Carlo Ancelotti dodged questions about Kylian Mbappe’s participation in Real Madrid’s Champions League last 16 second leg with rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Mbappe, who has scored 28 goals in all competitions this season, missed most of Real’s team training session on Tuesday due to muscle discomfort, club sources said.

The Frenchman took part in some individual work, with club officials saying he joined the group during the final 30 minutes of training with his team-mates.

Los Blancos also said his availability for their clash with Diego Simeone’s side, who they lead 2-1 from the first leg, was not in any danger.

Mbappe’s fitness has been a major question mark since he missed their Copa del Rey clash at Real Sociedad two weeks ago after having a tooth removed.

Since then, he has produced lacklustre performances in three consecutive matches, scoring just once while he was substituted in two of those games.

Madrid have progressed from 21 of their last 22 Champions League ties when they have won the first leg, with the exception against Ajax in the last 16 in 2018-19.

Under Ancelotti, they’ve progressed from nine out of nine, and the Real head coach said his team are ready for the second leg whether they have Mbappe available or not.

“I have more than eleven players for this match. Those who don’t play will also contribute in some shape or form. A well-made change can make a difference,” Ancelotti said.

“A derby is always a very close game. Sometimes we win and sometimes they win. Tomorrow it will be the same.

“It will be decided by small details. That’s what’s going to happen tomorrow.

“The goal is that we want to play in the quarter-finals whoever our players are. Rehearsing penalties is difficult, but we are not thinking about that at the moment.

“We’re thinking about how to play the game well…”