Ancelotti addresses Mbappé fitness and Madrid's title run-in
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Kylian Mbappé is fully fit and dismissed concerns over the forward's knee, as his squad prepares for a critical La Liga match against Mallorca. The Italian addressed the media ahead of Saturday's fixture, emphasizing that his team can afford no further mistakes in the title race, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points with nine games remaining.
Ancelotti clarified that Mbappé's omission from the starting lineup in the recent derby against Atlético Madrid was a simple precaution. "It was a matter of common sense," Ancelotti said, according to reports from Spain. "I have always had a direct dialogue with him. It is a fortune to have a player of this level and with this humility. The stories about the knee? All false." The manager's comments aim to quell speculation surrounding the French superstar's physical condition.
The press conference also covered the status of other key players. Defender Éder Militão is set to return, with Ancelotti calling him "the best centre-back in the world" when fit. Jude Bellingham, who was rested by England, will be reintegrated gradually after his recent ankle injury. Ancelotti confirmed he will field the strongest possible side against Mallorca, despite the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals, stating the team has "no more margin for error in any competition."
This fixture marks the beginning of what Ancelotti termed "nine finals" in the league. The manager expressed confidence in his squad's springtime pedigree, noting they are precisely where they want to be: fighting for both La Liga and the Champions League. When questioned about his own future at the Bernabéu, Ancelotti deflected, saying his only concern is that "Real Madrid wins, whoever sits on this bench."
Beyond squad news, Ancelotti was asked about the racist and islamophobic abuse directed at players during Spain's friendly against Egypt on Tuesday. He defended the country's character while condemning the incidents. "Spain is not a racist country, otherwise there would be incidents every weekend on all pitches," he stated. "But our position remains the same: we must eradicate all types of racist behaviour in stadiums and in society. We must not generalize when these incidents occur."
The immediate focus, however, remains squarely on the pitch. With key players returning from international duty and a packed April schedule, Ancelotti's management of his star-filled roster, including the carefully monitored Mbappé, will be pivotal. A victory against Mallorca is imperative to maintain pressure on Barcelona ahead of a defining month for the club's season.
