Kylian Mbappé may be “down but not out,” according to Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, as the French forward faces a tough patch both on and off the pitch. With an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual assault in Sweden and being left out of France’s upcoming Nations League squad, the 25-year-old has endured a challenging time recently.

Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulties Mbappé is facing but stressed that the forward remains determined. “Mbappé is down but not out,” he remarked, adding that despite his struggles, Mbappé continues to stay motivated ahead of Real Madrid’s important Liga match against Osasuna.

Real Madrid has had a series of setbacks recently, including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona and a 3-1 loss to AC Milan at home, leaving the team trailing their La Liga rivals by nine points. While Mbappé has not been at his best since joining the Spanish giants, Ancelotti believes that the team as a whole is facing a tough moment.

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“The problem he’s having is everyone’s problem. We haven’t hit our stride yet,” Ancelotti explained. “But I’m convinced Mbappé is going to get through this difficult moment.” The coach also emphasized that other players, such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, are also enduring tough patches and that it’s crucial for the whole squad to stay mentally strong.

Ancelotti refrained from commenting on Mbappé’s absence from the French squad, respecting the decision of national team coach Didier Deschamps. “It is a decision of the national team coach and I do not have the right to judge it,” Ancelotti said, remaining diplomatic about the situation.

As Real Madrid prepares for the crucial clash against Osasuna, the spotlight will be on how Mbappé bounces back from his current difficulties, with both his club and national team expecting a quick return to form.