Will Kylian Mbappé start for Real Madrid against Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup today?

Real Madrid go in search of their second trophy of the season on Wednesday (December 18), when they take on Mexican club Pachuca in the final of the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Much of the pregame talk has entered around the fitness of Kylian Mbappé, who missed Saturday’s draw against Rayo Vallecano through injury.

The Frenchman became the latest in a long line of Madrid players to suffer fitness issues in the first half of the Champions League victory away to Atalanta on Tuesday, December 10. Having scored the opening goal in Italy, Mbappé was replaced by Rodrygo after suffering a thigh injury, which immediately cast doubt over his participation in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The official diagnosis, which was revealed on December 12, was that the 25-year-old would be out of action for 10 days, which would cause him to miss Wednesday’s game in Qatar.

Will Mbappé play for Real Madrid against Pachuca?

However, Mbappé’s recovery has gone more quickly than had been anticipated and he is in contention to play against Pachuca, although it hasn’t yet been decided whether he will start or be named as a substitute.

“If he feels good, without risks, talking to him and the doctors, he’ll play,” coach Carlo Ancelotti told the media on Tuesday. “If there’s the slightest risk, obviously, he won’t. The feeling yesterday (Monday) was very good. We’re optimistic in that sense.”

With the eyes of the world watching, Real Madrid will no doubt want to field as many of their stars as possible, aware that image is everything.

On the flip side, Los Blancos will be expected to win with or without Mbappé, and their horrendous run of injuries means they can hardly afford to take any risks with one of their key players.

It’ll be up to Ancelotti to find the balance, but expect to see Mbappé at some stage.

When is Real Madrid - Pachuca? Start time and how to watch

The Intercontinental Cup final between Real Madrid and Pachuca will be played on Wednesday, December 18 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, with kickoff at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT.

Fans in the United States can watch the action on FOX Sports or stream the game on fuboTV, which offers new users a free trial.

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