‘Real Madrid can play without Mbappe’ – Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that his team will manage without their star signing Kylian Mbappé in their upcoming La Liga showdown with Atletico Madrid.

Mbappé, who has been sidelined for three weeks due to a hamstring injury, will miss the highly anticipated match. Despite the absence of the French forward, Ancelotti believes Los Blancos have the depth to cope.

Heading into the match, Real Madrid is in second place, just four points behind league leaders Barcelona and two points clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid.

“Obviously playing without Mbappe changes things a bit, but not much,” Ancelotti told reporters Saturday.

“We’re used to playing without him because last year he wasn’t here.

“It’s a pity that he’s not here but his absence we can cover for well.”

Real Madrid still have plenty of attacking options including Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes and potential Ballon d’Or winner Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian has burst into form in recent weeks and is set to lead the charge against Diego Simeone’s side, though, some Atletico fans are threatening to knock him off his stride by racially abusing him.

This week a Mallorca fan was sentenced to a year in prison for abusing the forward and he has also suffered similar abuse on previous visits to Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium.

On social media a group of Atletico supporters have launched a campaign this week encouraging fans to wear a face mask to the stadium, to be able to abuse Vinicius without detection.

Ancelotti did not want to discuss the issue but insisted the match would be “an entertaining spectacle”.

Real Madrid lost at Atletico in September 2023 and have not been beaten in 39 La Liga matches since.

“It’s a difficult game, that’s clear, but each match has its own story and we have a plan, let’s see if it goes well,” said Ancelotti.

“We have to avoid the mistakes of last year, that’s quite obvious. What we’ve learned could serve us well for tomorrow’s game.”

Ancelotti confirmed French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was fit to take part in the derby having recovered from an injury.