Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says star forward Kylian Mbappe is likely to return from injury in time for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Mbappe missed Madrid’s La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and will also sit out Wednesday’s away game against Getafe. He picked up an ankle injury during Real Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Arsenal last week.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ancelotti said both Mbappe and defender Ferland Mendy are recovering well and should be fit for the final clash.
“They won’t be ready for tomorrow, but they’ll train in the next few days. I think they’ll be available for Saturday,” Ancelotti said.
During Sunday’s match, some Madrid fans booed when Mbappe appeared on the stadium screen. Ancelotti said the player is upset that he can’t help the team right now.
“Mbappe is hurting—not just from the injury, but because he can’t contribute. He’s working hard to be ready,” Ancelotti added.
Madrid played with an extra midfielder instead of Mbappe on Sunday, focusing more on defense. Ancelotti admitted that the team has struggled to find the right balance this season.
“We’ve had our issues. The team has changed its style a bit to match the players we have now,” he said. “We’re trying to fix things before the final games. If we don’t, it’ll be hard to win.”
Mbappe has scored 33 goals this season, making him the team’s top scorer.
Madrid currently trail league leaders Barcelona by four points. All eyes are now on Saturday’s Copa del Rey final, where both teams will be fighting for silverware.
