Real Madrid received a little boost in training this morning ahead of the Copa del Rey final, as both Kylian Mbappé and Ferland Mendy joined their teammates on the pitch. With the showdown against Barcelona just days away, all eyes were on Valdebebas to monitor the progress of two key players—one a near lock to start, the other still a major question mark.
Mbappé, who picked up a minor ankle sprain in last week’s clash against Arsenal, looked sharp and fully integrated in the session. Barring any unexpected setbacks, the French superstar is expected to start in the final. The club is treating his situation with caution, but internally there is little doubt that he will be fit and available to spearhead Madrid’s attack.
The situation is far more uncertain at left-back. Ferland Mendy, who has been sidelined for six weeks since suffering a muscular injury during the Champions League tie against Atlético, took a crucial step forward in his recovery this morning. The Frenchman worked with the ball and participated in parts of the session alongside the group—his first such involvement since going down injured.
While it’s unlikely Mendy will be ready to start, the fact that he’s back on the pitch at all has given the coaching staff reason for cautious optimism. With Eduardo Camavinga now officially ruled out for the next three months due to injury, Ancelotti has limited options. In his press conference yesterday, the Madrid boss made it clear: “Fran García is the only available left-back for the final.” Mendy’s progress hasn’t changed that—for now.
David Alaba’s status also remains in question. The Austrian defender, who was substituted at halftime in Madrid’s win over Getafe due to discomfort, did not train on the pitch today. However, the club believes the issue isn’t worsening, and there’s still a chance he could rejoin the group in tomorrow’s final session and be named in the squad.
