Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be fit and available for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Mbappe missed Madrid’s 1-0 win over Athletic Club on Sunday due to suspension, but he had also been dealing with an ankle issue sustained in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal. Initial reports suggested the injury was not serious, and Ancelotti quickly reassured fans that his star forward would be ready for the weekend’s crucial fixture.
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While Mbappe is set to return for the Copa del Rey final, he and left-back Ferland Mendy will not feature in Wednesday’s match against Getafe. “They’re not ready for tomorrow, but they can make it to Saturday,” Ancelotti confirmed.
Watching from the sidelines as Federico Valverde secured a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Athletic, Mbappe was met with a mixed reception when his image appeared on the big screen. Some sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd greeted him with whistles, a response Ancelotti chose not to dwell on. “I’ve read it, but I haven’t heard it,” the manager remarked. “He’s doing everything he can to be there on Saturday.”
The Bernabeu has long been known for its demanding atmosphere. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, who averaged more than a goal per game during his decade-long, trophy-laden stint at Madrid, faced occasional boos. Mbappe, who is posting similar scoring figures to Ronaldo this season, has not yet fully won over every supporter, despite his undeniable talent.
After a slow start to his Madrid career, the 26-year-old came under fire for a reckless challenge on Alaves’ Antonio Blanco, which earned him a well-deserved red card earlier this month.
Ancelotti has hinted at the possibility of using Jude Bellingham in a more advanced central role against Barcelona, potentially alongside Mbappe. However, the Frenchman’s arrival has disrupted the balance of a team that was crowned both Spanish and European champions last season.
“We’ve changed our game plan a bit, and it’s been hard to find balance,” Ancelotti admitted this week. “Let’s see if we can find it in this final stretch. If we do, we can win.”
