Real Madrid is still uncertain about securing Kylian Mbappé, and now two more key players have been sidelined with injuries.
After barely defeating Getafe, Real Madrid is still in the title race, but the victory came with new concerns. With the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona just around the corner, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga have both sustained injuries. Unless there is a dramatic improvement, neither player is expected to feature in the final.
In Wednesday’s match against Getafe, Arda Güler scored from outside the box in the 21st minute to give Real Madrid the three points.
Alaba started in defense, and Camavinga came on as a substitute in midfield, but neither player was able to finish the game.
At the post-match press conference, coach Carlo Ancelotti nearly confirmed that both players would miss the final:
“After tomorrow’s medical tests, we will know more about their conditions. However, both have sustained muscle injuries, and at the moment, it seems unlikely that either of them will play in Saturday’s final.”
There is also uncertainty about whether Kylian Mbappé will be fit to play in the final due to his own injury. Left-back Ferland Mendy has been out for a while as well, and with many players suffering from injuries throughout the season, the team’s troubles are far from over.
Ancelotti also confirmed that Fran García will play as left-back in the final against Barcelona. However, García has not been particularly solid this season, and there are doubts about how well he can handle the dangerous Lamine Yamal.
Considering both teams’ current form, Barcelona enters the final as the clear favorites. In their previous two encounters this season, the Catalans have comfortably beaten Real Madrid.
Although Barcelona may be the favorites, Ancelotti remains hopeful for the final:
“One team might be the favorite in this match, but a final is a final. Anything can happen. We need to defend well, and we will get chances in attack. We need to make the most of them.”
“Today’s win will give us confidence. We played well in the first half. It got tougher toward the end, but in the end, we were able to win.”
