David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga Ruled Out of Key Clash Against Barcelona
Real Madrid’s preparations for the Copa del Rey final against fierce rivals Barcelona have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that both David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga will miss the crucial match due to injury. The pair sustained injuries during Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Getafe in La Liga on Wednesday night, and the loss of these two key players is bound to have a profound impact on coach Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical plans for the weekend’s showdown.
This double injury blow leaves Madrid facing an uphill battle to secure silverware, as both Alaba and Camavinga had been used in key defensive roles, including at left-back, a position that now becomes a potential weakness for the Spanish giants. With Barcelona’s attack led by the electrifying Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s defensive options are already looking stretched, and this setback could be a deciding factor in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter at the Vicente Calderón.
Injury Setback Strikes Midweek Against Getafe
Real Madrid’s midweek win over Getafe was marred by two major injury concerns. Both David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga had been playing significant roles in the game before being forced off, and neither player will recover in time to feature in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Alaba, a versatile defender who has featured prominently for Madrid since his arrival in 2021, appeared to pick up a knock during the match. Camavinga, who has grown into one of Real Madrid’s most trusted players this season, also suffered a problem while performing his usual duties in midfield and defence. The injuries were confirmed post-match by Carlo Ancelotti, who described the situation as “difficult” for both players to recover in time for the Copa final, highlighting the short timeframe before Saturday’s match.
In Ancelotti’s assessment, while both players had been crucial to Madrid’s defensive setup, it was clear from the outset that their participation in the Copa del Rey final was doubtful. “We will have to be careful with their recovery. It’s unlikely we’ll see them in the final,” said the Madrid boss. What had been a routine win against Getafe quickly turned into a source of anxiety as the team’s injury list started to grow.
Camavinga’s Injury: A Complete Tear of His Left Adductor Tendon
The news surrounding Eduardo Camavinga’s injury was particularly troubling for Madrid fans. The Frenchman has been a standout performer for Real Madrid this season, consistently providing energy, dynamism, and versatility across the midfield and at left-back. The club confirmed on Thursday that Camavinga had suffered a “complete tear of his left adductor tendon,” a diagnosis that instantly cast doubt on his availability for the rest of the season.
This type of injury typically involves the rupture of a tendon in the upper leg, which is crucial for hip movement and stability. Recovery time for a complete tear can range from four to 16 weeks, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Given the nature of the diagnosis, it is highly unlikely that Camavinga will feature again for Madrid in La Liga, with the final match of the domestic season scheduled for May 25.
Moreover, the timing of his injury makes him a major doubt for the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in mid-June. The tournament will mark the beginning of a new era in world football, with the top teams from around the globe competing in a reshaped format. Given the nature of Camavinga’s injury, his participation in that tournament is now highly uncertain.
While the Frenchman’s absence for the Copa del Rey final will be keenly felt, the more pressing concern for Madrid is how to fill his shoes, especially given that he had been one of the few players capable of providing stability at left-back when called upon.
David Alaba Also Set to Miss Copa del Rey Final
In addition to Camavinga’s injury, David Alaba will also be unavailable for the final against Barcelona. Alaba, who has been a crucial part of Madrid’s defence since joining from Bayern Munich in 2021, had also been deployed as a left-back option by Ancelotti in recent weeks. With Madrid needing a versatile defender to cope with Barcelona’s attacking threats, Alaba had been one of the primary options for the left-back role, alongside Camavinga.
Alaba’s injury occurred in the same match against Getafe, and although the club has yet to release full details on the extent of his problem, it is clear that the Austrian international will not recover in time for the Copa del Rey final. His absence further complicates Ancelotti’s defensive plans as Madrid prepare to face one of the most potent attacking sides in Europe.
With Alaba and Camavinga both ruled out, Real Madrid are left with limited options at left-back. The most likely solution is Fran García, the 25-year-old left-back who was re-signed from Rayo Vallecano in 2023. García had been expected to provide squad depth and competition for the starting position but has yet to be trusted in the bigger games. His inclusion in the starting XI for the Copa del Rey final will mark a significant test for him, as the stakes could not be higher.
Fran García: The Likely Replacement for Alaba and Camavinga
Fran García’s path to becoming a key figure for Real Madrid seemed uncertain at the start of the season. Having played a key role for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, the Spanish left-back was re-signed by Madrid last summer as a squad player. However, his opportunities at Madrid have been limited, with Alaba and Camavinga both preferred in the left-back position during high-profile fixtures.
García’s performance in the Copa del Rey final will be critical not only for the team’s chances of success but also for his own future at the club. With Alaba and Camavinga both sidelined, García is the most likely candidate to step in. However, the pressure on the young full-back will be immense, as he faces Barcelona’s dynamic attack, including the ever-dangerous Lamine Yamal, who will look to exploit any defensive frailties.
Ancelotti will be hoping that García can rise to the occasion and deliver a solid performance, despite his relative inexperience in big games. A strong display in the Copa del Rey final could cement his place in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Real Madrid Face Major Challenge Ahead of Copa del Rey Final
Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona was already set to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams vying for crucial domestic silverware. However, the injury to key players like David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga has made the task even more difficult for Ancelotti and his team.
The absence of these two influential players will force Madrid to rethink their defensive strategy, particularly at left-back, where Barcelona’s attacking power could exploit any weaknesses. Fran García’s inclusion is now all but certain, but the real question is whether the young defender can handle the pressure of such a high-stakes encounter.
For Real Madrid, the challenge of facing Barcelona without two of their most trusted players is an uphill one. However, Ancelotti will be hoping that his team can rally together and find a way to overcome the adversity they face. With the Copa del Rey on the line, it is sure to be a tense and dramatic final – one that will require Real Madrid to dig deep and show their true character.
