On the eve of their crucial Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid faces a significant concern: Kylian Mbappé’s participation remains uncertain. The French superstar did not take part in the team’s final training session on Tuesday, sparking fears that he could miss the match in San Sebastian. Reports suggest that Mbappé is suffering from dental pain, an issue serious enough to keep him out of collective training.
Real Madrid fans were left in suspense as no official confirmation regarding Mbappé’s condition came from the club’s medical staff. While minor injuries and illnesses are common during a demanding season, the timing of this issue is far from ideal, especially with Los Blancos entering a decisive phase in multiple competitions. The uncertainty surrounding Mbappé’s availability could force Carlo Ancelotti to rethink his plans for the crucial encounter.
According to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Mbappé’s dental pain is severe enough to have disrupted his training routine. The extent of the problem remains unclear, but with the semi-final looming, Madrid supporters will anxiously await any updates regarding his potential involvement. The club has yet to issue an official statement on whether he will be part of the traveling squad to face Real Sociedad.
Despite these concerns, manager Carlo Ancelotti attempted to ease tensions in his pre-match comments. Speaking about the situation, Ancelotti reassured fans that Mbappé “will travel and be available tomorrow.” While this suggests that the Frenchman might still feature, his ability to perform at his best remains uncertain. Even if included in the squad, Ancelotti will need to assess whether Mbappé is fit enough to start or if he should be preserved for future fixtures.
This situation adds to Real Madrid’s growing list of selection dilemmas. Ancelotti had already been considering resting key players such as Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde for this match. If Mbappé is unable to feature, the Italian tactician will have to rely on his attacking alternatives to get the job done. Players like Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo, and Brahim Díaz could be called upon to lead the line in the Frenchman’s absence.
The absence of Mbappé, if confirmed, could be a significant blow for Madrid, given his recent resurgence in form. After a slow start to life at the Santiago Bernabéu, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward has started to hit his stride in recent weeks, delivering match-winning performances in both La Liga and the Champions League. His pace, movement, and goal-scoring ability have become increasingly vital to Madrid’s attacking play.
From a tactical standpoint, Ancelotti might be forced to alter his approach. With Mbappé, Real Madrid often relies on direct attacking transitions, exploiting his speed to break down defensive lines. Without him, Madrid may have to adopt a more patient, possession-based approach, utilizing the creativity of Jude Bellingham and Luka Modrić in midfield. The decisioncould also provide an opportunity for young Brazilian sensation Endrick, who has been waiting for a chance to make his mark in a major fixture.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will be eager to capitalize on any weakness in the Madrid lineup. The Basque side has been formidable at home this season and will look to take full advantage of the first leg to gain an upper hand in the semi-final. With their aggressive pressing and disciplined defensive structure, they will be confident in limiting Madrid’s attacking options, especially if Mbappé is unavailable.
This semi-final comes at a time when Real Madrid is managing a demanding schedule. With crucial league fixtures ahead and Champions League knockout rounds approaching, Ancelotti must carefully balance his squad’s workload. Losing Mbappé for an extended period could prove costly, making it essential for the club’s medical team to assess his condition thoroughly before taking any risks.
Beyond the immediate concerns of this fixture, Madrid fans will also be worried about what this could mean for the bigger picture. With a packed calendar and high-stakes matches on the horizon, a minor issue like dental pain could potentially sideline a key player at a crucial moment. The hope will be that this is nothing more than a short-term setback, allowing Mbappé to return swiftly.
Madridistas will be looking forward to Ancelotti’s final lineup announcement, which should provide more clarity on Mbappé’s availability. If he is deemed fit to play, the question will be whether he starts or comes on as an impact substitute. Either way, his presence in the squad will serve as a psychological boost, even if he is not at full capacity.
This development also highlights the importance of Madrid’s squad depth. Over the years, Los Blancos have built a team capable of competing on multiple fronts, and this is where their strength in depth will be tested. While Mbappé’s absence would be a blow, Ancelotti has a wealth of attacking options to turn to in his bid to secure a positive result away from home.
As matchday approaches, Madrid fans will be hoping for a late twist in the saga—one that sees their marquee signing take to the pitch and make a difference in yet another high-profile encounter. Whether he starts or not, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s tactics and how Madrid adapts in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash.
Ultimately, the outcome of this tie will not be decided solely by one player’s presence or absence. However, with Mbappé in the squad, Madrid carries an aura of invincibility. Without him, they may have to dig deeper and rely on the collective strength of the team to navigate this tricky test.
For now, Madridistas will have to wait and see how this situation unfolds, hoping that by kickoff, Mbappé’s name will be on the teamsheet, ready to continue his mission of delivering silverware to the Santiago Bernabéu.