Kylian Mbappe may not be available to start in the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta.
Real Madrid is currently in a tight spot regarding the fitness of three key players: Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal. With the UEFA Super Cup match against Atalanta approaching on August 14, there are growing concerns that these stars may not be available for the crucial game.
Pre-season training for the team kicks off next Monday, but it will be without any new signings. Only a few players returning from loan spells, such as Jesus Vallejo and Reinier Jesus, will be present. Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces additional challenges as many of his international players, who participated in the Euro Cup and Copa America, will be absent. These players are entitled to a minimum three-week holiday following their national teams' exit from the tournaments.
As a result, Ancelotti is only expecting two players who were eliminated early: Luka Modric and Andriy Lunin. Even their return could be delayed since their holiday periods might extend beyond the minimum. The remaining international players will gradually rejoin based on when their national teams were knocked out.
Among the last to return will be Carvajal and Bellingham, both of whom reached the Euro final, along with Mbappe, who will start his break after his presentation on August 16. Carvajal and Bellingham are expected back around August 3, while Mbappe is slated to return on August 5. If they miss this timeline, Ancelotti will have less than ten days to prepare them for the Super Cup.
The situation places immense pressure on these players, alongside Federico Valverde and other French internationals, to quickly regain the fitness needed to compete. All three, Mbappe, Bellingham, and Carvajal, are determined to be ready for the season's opening match.
For Mbappe, this match would be particularly significant as it marks his debut in a Real Madrid jersey. However, Ancelotti faces a dilemma: whether to risk playing these stars given the short preparation period. Both Mbappe and Bellingham have ongoing health issues that complicate matters. While Mbappe appears fine, he might need surgery to address a broken nose. Bellingham, on the other hand, is dealing with a shoulder injury that could sideline him for up to two months if he chooses to undergo an operation.
As the Super Cup approaches, Real Madrid’s coaching staff and fans alike are anxiously awaiting updates on the fitness of these key players. With the team's reputation and aspirations on the line, the situation underscores the challenges facing Ancelotti as he looks to start the season on a high note.
