As Real Madrid gear up for one of the biggest games of their season — the Copa del Rey final against eternal rivals Barcelona — all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe and whether he will be able to take part in Saturday night’s clash at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville.
The French superstar has been battling ankle discomfort for weeks now, and with kick-off drawing closer, his participation still hangs very much in the balance. Madrid fans will be crossing everything they can as a late fitness test determines if Kylian Mbappe will line up from the start… or if Los Blancos will have to make do without their talisman.
Kylian Mbappe Battling Ankle Injury Ahead of Copa del Rey Final
Kylian Mbappe’s fitness has been a major talking point around the Real Madrid camp ever since he picked up a knock against Arsenal during the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this month.
The 25-year-old, who has quickly become one of Madrid’s most pivotal attacking weapons, has been playing through the pain barrier but hasn’t looked at his electric best.
After serving a suspension during Madrid’s La Liga win over Athletic Club, Kylian Mbappe was left out entirely for the next game against Getafe, sparking concerns that the injury was worse than initially feared.
Spanish outlet AS has now reported that Kylian Mbappe “isn’t 100%” and that he would undergo a crucial fitness test on Saturday morning. Only after seeing how his ankle responds to light training will Carlo Ancelotti and his staff make a final call.
For now, Kylian Mbappe has traveled with the squad to Seville, but a definitive decision will be left until the very last moment.
Real Madrid’s Trophy Hunt and Kylian Mbappe’s Importance
The stakes could not be higher.
While Real Madrid secured the UEFA Super Cup and the newly created FIFA Intercontinental Cup earlier this season — both prestigious but single-match competitions — they suffered disappointment in both La Liga and the Champions League. Winning the Copa del Rey would be a much-needed boost to what has been a bumpy campaign for the Spanish giants.
And that’s where Kylian Mbappe’s potential absence looms large.
Madrid brought Kylian Mbappe in not just for his individual brilliance, but to tilt the balance of the biggest games in their favor. Against Barcelona, a team that loves nothing more than to spoil Madrid’s ambitions, the Frenchman’s explosiveness, creativity, and finishing touch could make all the difference.
If he’s unable to start — or worse, miss the match entirely — Ancelotti will need to reshuffle his pack and hope others can rise to the occasion.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Dilemma: Diamond or Wingers?
Should Kylian Mbappe be ruled out, Madrid could return to the system that brought them so much success last season.
Under Ancelotti in 2023/24, Madrid often lined up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation. It was a shape that allowed Jude Bellingham to operate as an advanced ‘number ten’ behind the striker pair of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who moved into more central roles instead of hugging the touchline.
That setup was key to Madrid winning both La Liga and the Champions League, and it got the very best out of Bellingham, who played some of the finest football of his young career at the apex of the midfield.
However, everything changed last summer when Kylian Mbappe arrived.
Determined to integrate their marquee signing into the team, Ancelotti reverted to a traditional 4-3-3 formation. This pushed Vinicius and Rodrygo back out wide, while Bellingham was asked to play deeper — a move that arguably took some of the sting out of Madrid’s attack.
And the results have been mixed.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Madrid have lacked consistency up front. Vinicius and Rodrygo have struggled to dominate games the way they did centrally. Bellingham, although still influential, hasn’t been the same relentless attacking force. The team’s form dipped noticeably after Christmas, and questions around Ancelotti’s tactical tweaks have only grown louder.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Future Hanging in the Balance
The pressure on Carlo Ancelotti is mounting.
Once viewed as untouchable after delivering multiple trophies, Ancelotti is now facing serious uncertainty about his position — with speculation that he could be shown the door a full year before his contract officially ends.
A win against Barcelona would do wonders to ease the tension and might even save Ancelotti’s job. But a loss, especially in a game Madrid fans will see as a must-win, could accelerate his departure.
That’s why the decision around Kylian Mbappe’s involvement is so critical. Ancelotti has to weigh up the risk of starting an injured Kylian Mbappe — potentially worsening the injury or forcing an early substitution — versus the risk of starting without his biggest match-winner.
If Kylian Mbappe can even manage 60 or 70 minutes at a high level, it could tilt the final in Madrid’s favor. If he can’t, then the likes of Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo will have to shoulder the responsibility and find a way through a stubborn Barcelona defense.
Barcelona Ready to Capitalize
While Real Madrid are sweating over Kylian Mbappe’s availability, Barcelona will be licking their lips at the uncertainty in their rivals’ camp.
Xavi’s side have had their own turbulent season, but with a trophy now within touching distance, they will be more motivated than ever. If Madrid are forced into a last-minute tactical reshuffle, it could play into Barça’s hands, giving them the psychological edge even before a ball is kicked.
Xavi will surely be preparing two game plans — one if Kylian Mbappe starts, and one if he doesn’t. Either way, Barcelona will look to exploit any vulnerability Madrid show, especially if the game plan becomes disjointed without their star forward.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Night for Madrid and Kylian Mbappe
Whether or not Kylian Mbappe makes it onto the pitch, Saturday night’s Copa del Rey final promises to be an epic encounter.
For Real Madrid, it’s a chance to salvage pride and end a chaotic season on a high. For Kylian Mbappe personally, it’s a chance to etch his name into Madrid folklore and deliver in the type of game he was brought in for.
For Carlo Ancelotti, it could be the night that defines whether he stays or goes.
The final hours before kick-off will be nervy for Madridistas everywhere. They’ll be hoping that when the team sheets drop, the name “Mbappe” is right there at the top.
But even if it’s not, Real Madrid will know that titles aren’t won on paper — they’re won on the pitch, through grit, heart, and moments of magic. With or without their French superstar, they’ll have to find a way.
