• Mbappe got injured against Alaves
• Was expected to be back in late October
• Could get some minutes against Lille

WHAT HAPPENED?

The French forward, who suffered a thigh injury during Real's 3-2 victory over Alaves in La Liga, was initially expected to miss up to three weeks of action. However, in an encouraging turn of events, Mbappe has been included in the squad for the upcoming midweek European clash after making a rapid recovery.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ancelotti confirmed that a final decision regarding Mbappe's participation would be made after assessing his performance in training. The forward completed Tuesday’s session successfully, but Ancelotti stressed that Madrid would exercise caution and not rush the player back into action unnecessarily.

WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

“Mbappe has recovered well, very quickly,” Ancelotti told reporters. “Only yesterday he trained individually. He didn’t stop for long and he hasn’t lost his condition. Today (Tuesday) he will train the whole training session. We will make the most appropriate decision today, bearing in mind that we are not going to take any risks.

“He has had an overload. They’re talking about (a) grade I (hamstring injury). In the old days, it was an overload. With the new technology, he’s fine. He’s here to play. We’re not going to take any risks. Obviously, if there is no risk, he will play from the first minute.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Interestingly, Lille is also the club where his younger brother, Ethan Mbappe, plies his trade. Unfortunately, the 17-year-old Ethan is sidelined for several weeks with a muscle injury, delaying any potential opportunity for the two brothers to face off on the pitch.

WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

Mbappe’s absence in the 1-1 draw against Atlético Madrid last weekend marked his first missed match since joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. He has been in sensational form, scoring seven goals in just nine appearances across all competitions for his new club. Should he be deemed fit, Mbappe’s return against Lille will carry additional significance, as it will mark his first game back in France since leaving PSG.