Ancelotti Confident Real Madrid Can Handle Atletico Derby Without Injured Mbappe

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team can manage without Kylian Mbappe, who is injured, in Sunday’s La Liga match against Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe is out for three weeks with a hamstring injury, but Ancelotti is confident Real Madrid will cope without him.

“Playing without Mbappe changes things a little, but not much,” Ancelotti said on Saturday. “We’re used to playing without him since he wasn’t with us last year. It’s unfortunate he’s injured, but we have enough players to cover his absence.”

Real Madrid still has strong attacking options, like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior, who could be a Ballon d’Or winner.

Real Madrid lost to Atletico in September 2023 but haven’t lost a La Liga match in their last 39 games since then.

“It’s a tough game, no doubt,” said Ancelotti. “But every match is different, and we have a plan. Let’s see if it works. We need to avoid last year’s mistakes, and what we’ve learned could help us this time.”

Ancelotti also confirmed that French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has recovered from his injury and is ready for the derby.