Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced that his injured striker Kylian Mbappe will travel to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup final next week before a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.

Mbappe scored a sensational goal inside 10 minutes against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday, but then asked to be substituted 25 minutes later.

Ancelotti tried to downplay the seriousness of the situation after the 3-2 win at Bergamo, but the club confirmed on Thursday that their No.9 had suffered an injury to his left thigh.

AS reported that Mbappe will be out for ten days, meaning he will certainly miss Rayo Vallecano and possibly the Intercontinental Cup final on December 18th.

At a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of the first upcoming game, Ancelotti gave an update on Mbappe’s status.

“Mbappe is nothing very serious,” emphasized Ancelotti. “He won’t be at the game (tomorrow) but he will travel to Qatar and see if he can take part in the (Intercontinental Cup) without risk.”

Ancelotti noted that it was worth it for Mbappe to travel in the hope that he can recover from his problem. As for pivot Eduardo Camavinga, he is “fine” and will be available in Vallecas.

When asked about Mbappe’s muscle problems, Ancelotti said it was “hard to say where they come from”.

“In the last two (international) breaks he was here, he worked well and rested. His performance has improved a lot recently. Luckily, it’s only a short time and he won’t lose what he’s achieved recently.” “

Although Madrid is facing a lot of negativity at the moment, Ancelotti stressed that he is more “optimistic” than before as his team has a game ahead of them in a “difficult time”.

“The commitment and attitude of everyone, the individual quality… It was a complete game (against Atalanta) and it gives us optimism for the future, for the next games that start tomorrow. We have a very important game on Wednesday, but “First we have to play a good game tomorrow,” emphasized Ancelotti.

With a win against Rayo, Madrid can move a point clear at the top of La Liga before FC Barcelona face Leganes in Spain late on Sunday evening.