Real Madrid will not have Kylian Mbappé available for Wednesday’s match against Getafe, but coach Carlo Ancelotti expects him to be back for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappé was forced to watch from the sidelines on Sunday during Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Bilbao due to a suspension, and unfortunately, he’s also dealing with an ankle injury.
This combination of setbacks means that he will miss Wednesday's match against Getafe at 21:30. The absence of such a crucial player for the team is undoubtedly disappointing for both the player and the club, especially given the importance of the upcoming fixtures. Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, commented on the situation, saying, "They are not ready for tomorrow," referring to both Mbappé and Ferland Mendy, who has been sidelined since mid-March with a muscle injury.
Ancelotti, however, was optimistic about their potential return to action. "They have trained, and I think both will be available for Saturday's game," he added. Mbappé is particularly disappointed about missing out on playing against Getafe, as he’s doing everything he can to be fit for the crucial Copa del Rey final scheduled for Saturday. His dedication to return to full fitness in time is clear, as he looks to contribute to Real Madrid's ongoing success.
The upcoming Copa del Rey final is shaping up to be an intense and highly anticipated match, with Real Madrid facing their fierce rivals, Barcelona. Both teams are also still in contention for the La Liga title, adding another layer of significance to the match. The two clubs will battle it out for one of Spain’s most prestigious trophies, and Ancelotti emphasized the importance of that match: "Whether we win two trophies depends on beating Barcelona. That’s the only doubt we have now. We need to come out strong in the next match and then focus on the Copa del Rey final. We are confident that we can do it." The weight of the two trophies that are up for grabs the Copa del Rey and La Liga adds further pressure on the players, who will need to stay sharp and focused for the final stretch of the season.
Real Madrid, fresh off their 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, now face Getafe, but with the late kick-off time of 21:30, the team is faced with the challenge of balancing recovery with the need to perform. "I’m not complaining," Ancelotti said pragmatically, noting that the team had enough time to recover from the previous match, and thankfully, there wouldn’t be any travel fatigue as Getafe is located in a suburb of Madrid. However, he also mentioned that the 9:30 p.m. start time for the match was less than ideal, as many fans and players would be heading to bed late. "I hope my players don’t fall asleep tomorrow," he said with a wry smile, acknowledging the late timing as a potential challenge for the team’s focus.
Ancelotti also indicated that the lineup for Wednesday’s match would be influenced by the physical fatigue of the players from Sunday’s game. "Tomorrow's lineup will be entirely based on the fatigue from last Sunday. Some players are tired, but that’s normal. We will see," said the Italian manager. It’s clear that Ancelotti is mindful of the physical toll on his players as the season nears its climax, with important matches coming thick and fast.
As the season progresses, speculation around Ancelotti’s future has been growing, and he was inevitably asked about his plans beyond Real Madrid. With rumors swirling about his potential move to the Brazilian national team, Ancelotti responded candidly, "In football, anything is possible. I love this club, and I hope I can stay here as long as possible. When it’s over, I will be grateful and take my hat off to this club." Ancelotti went on to reflect on the challenges of the current season, acknowledging that it has been more complicated than the previous one. "The club knows it has been a more complicated year than the last. I am very happy and content. There is a lot of pressure, but that’s always the case. Stress is fuel for me, it gives me more energy to think about more things," he explained. Ancelotti’s resilience and commitment to pushing through pressure are qualities that have served him well throughout his storied career, and as the season enters its final stages, his leadership will be crucial in helping Real Madrid secure further silverware.
With the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona approaching and a fierce race for La Liga still underway, Real Madrid’s focus is on finishing the season strong. The upcoming games will be vital, and both Ancelotti and his players are determined to make the most of every opportunity. The return of Mbappé and Mendy, along with the continued leadership of Ancelotti, could prove to be the key to Real Madrid's success in what promises to be an unforgettable end to the season.
