Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI for Wednesday’s Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca has an unexpected surprise in store.

Kylian Mbappe was just starting to hit form after struggling on his high-profile free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

After Ancelotti admitted that his number 9 was not at his “best level” following a 2-1 defeat against Athletic Club in San Mames two weeks ago, the Frenchman responded with fantastic goals and victories against Girona (3-0). Domestic and Atalanta in the Champions League (3:2).

Mbappe scored the opening goal within 10 minutes of the last triumph in Bergamo, but then called for substitution 25 minutes later.

Madrid later confirmed an injury to the Ballon d’Or hopeful and while Mbappe missed Saturday night’s 3-3 thriller at Rayo Vallecano, he was always expected to at least travel to Qatar for the reinstated Intercontinental Cup final.

What wasn’t in the script is for Mbappe to go straight into the front-line starting XI, with The Best winner Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo on his left and right.

However, this is the approach Ancelotti will take, with Eduardo Camavinga a lone player behind more advanced midfielders Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde.

While Ferland Mendy has to fend off a blow, Fran Garcia is the left-back and Lucas Vazquez is on the other side of the defense.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Rüdiger form the centre-back pairing, meaning there is once again no starting spot for breakout star Raul Asencio to protect Thibaut Courtois’ goal.

At a pre-match press conference where he was forced to question whether he had lost control of his players, Ancelotti insisted his men were “livelier” than before and “better than a month ago” heading into the Intercontinental final Cups would come.

“It’s a unique game, a unique final. We are very excited,” he said of the game against a Mexican opponent, which is a precursor to the reimagined Club World Cup that will take place in the United States this summer.

Starting XI for Real Madrid vs. Pachuca: Courtois; Fran, Rüdiger, Tchouameni, Vazquez; Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe, Rodrygo