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

Los Blancos are seeking to add another trophy to their collection

Real Madrid will today make a late decision on Kylian Mbappe’s involvement for their Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca.

The France superstar emerged as a doubt for the game after suffering a thigh injury during the Champions League win over Atalanta last week, causing him to miss Saturday’s La Liga draw away at Rayo Vallecano as a result.

However, Mbappe has been named in the 24-man travelling party for the final after taking part in the team's training session on Monday and Carlo Ancelotti is 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 is in contention to start for Real Madrid in the Intercontinental Cup final.

AFP via Getty Images

Vinicius Junior, fresh off being named FIFA The Best Men's Player 2024, is also eyeing a start after playing the final half 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 defeat against Liverpool last month.

In addition, there’s a decision to make in central midfield as Eduardo Camavinga, who made his return to action at the weekend too, could replace 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 out for the season with knee injuries, while Ferland Mendy and David Alaba are injured too, hence their absence from the aforementioned squad list.

This means Lucas Vazquez could continue at right-back with Aurelien Tchouameni operating as a makeshift central defender alongside Antonio Rudiger.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius JR

Injured: Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy

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

Venue: Lusail Stadium, Qatar

TV channel: beIN Sports