Real Madrid will face the 2025 Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona with a last-minute absence. Kylian Mbappé won't play in the Clásico, as he hasn't overcome the discomfort in his left ankle, an injury he's been dealing with since the match against Arsenal in the Champions League.
The doubt persisted throughout the week, but the Frenchman's presence in the starting line-up for the final was taken for granted. It won't be so; the Frenchman hasn't recovered in time.
Thus, neither Real Madrid nor Barça will field the two forwards leading the top scorer list, as Robert Lewandowski is also not fit to play.
An Injury He's Been Dealing With Since the Match Against Arsenal
The news has come as a cold shower for the Madrid expedition in Seville. Although the French forward had traveled with the group and led the squad, his physical condition wasn't optimal.
The last training confirmed the bad feelings: the pain persisted, and he couldn't complete the session normally. With the decisive match approaching, the coaching staff, along with the player himself, have decided not to take risks.
Mbappé, who arrived with the goal of redeeming himself after several lackluster performances, won't be the protagonist on the field this time. Carlo Ancelotti loses his main offensive reference and will have to reshape the line-up at a critical moment.
Statistics Against Barça Were Against Mbappé
Internally, Real Madrid was aware that Mbappé's participation was hanging by a thread. The Bondy forward had already been doubtful in the previous days and needed to pass a final test on the morning of the match. However, the progress wasn't enough, and the risk of worsening the injury outweighed any competitive desire.
His absence is a blow to the morale of the Madrid locker room. Mbappé not only contributes goals and imbalance but also intimidation for the opponent.
Barça, which was already buoyed by its recent victories, now faces the final with an extra boost of confidence. The blaugrana defense can breathe a bit easier without the constant threat of the French star.
Moreover, the statistics weren't in Mbappé's favor in the Clásicos. In the two previous encounters against Barça, the former PSG player had been far from his best level. Many Madrid fans hoped this final would be the stage for his redemption, but they will have to wait.
Real Madrid Must Reinvent Itself
Meanwhile, Real Madrid must reinvent itself. Ancelotti is considering options like Rodrygo or Brahim to cover the Frenchman's absence. In any case, the Merengue team is obliged to give its best version without its top figure.
Meanwhile, Barça cautiously celebrates this news. Within Hansi Flick's team, they don't want to fall into complacency. They know that even without Mbappé, Real Madrid remains dangerous and capable of anything in a final.
The great mystery hovering over Seville has been solved: Kylian Mbappé won't play. Real Madrid faces the most important match of the year without its star, while Barça dreams of lifting a title that would feel like a show of authority.
The line-up Ancelotti will present at La Cartuja, against Barcelona, is composed of:
Courtois; Lucas, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Ceballos, Bellingham; Vinicius and Rodrygo.