Real Madrid XI vs Pachuca: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Intercontinental Cup final | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti names strong side in Qatar as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr both return

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr both start for Real Madrid in tonight’s Intercontinental Cup final clash against Pachuca.

However, Mbappe was named in the 24-man travelling party for the final after taking part in the team's training session on Monday and head coach Carlo Ancelotti was optimistic about the forward’s chances of featuring at the Lusail Stadium.

“His situation is simple. Mbappe trained yesterday and felt good, it's all gone well,” the Italian told reporters. “We have an important training session tonight and he'll have to assess how he feels again.

“If there is no risk, I'll speak to him and his doctors and he'll play. Of course, if there is even the slightest risk, he won't.

“Today's training session is hugely important. He felt great yesterday, so we're optimistic."

Boost: Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr both start for Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup final

AFP via Getty Images

Vinicius Jr, fresh off being named FIFA The Best Men's Player 2024 on Tuesday, also starts after playing the final half an hour at the weekend as he is eased back into action following a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury that caused him to sit out the 2-0 Champions League defeat against Liverpool last month.

There was a decision to make in central midfield too as Eduardo Camavinga, who made his return to action at the weekend, replaces captain Luka Modric to partner Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in the engine room.

Defensively, Real Madrid’s crisis is well documented. Vice-captain Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are both out for the season with knee injuries, while Ferland Mendy and David Alaba have been left at home.

That means Lucas Vazquez continues at right-back with Aurelien Tchouameni operating as a makeshift central defender alongside Antonio Rudiger. Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler both drop to the bench.

Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Fran Garcia, Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr

Subs: Lunin, Gonzalez, Modric, Guler, Endrick, Vallejo, Ceballos, Brahim, Youssef, Asencio, Lorenzo

Injured: Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy

Time and date: 5pm GMT on Wednesday December 18, 2024

TV channel: beIN Sports, DAZN and FIFA+