Real Madrid Faces Injury Challenges Before Copa del Rey Final
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Synopsis
Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti faces injury setbacks ahead of the Copa del Rey final. Both David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga suffered injuries during the match against Getafe, leaving their availability for the final uncertain. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe appears fit to play, providing a glimmer of hope for the team's preparations.
Key Takeaways
- Real Madrid's injury issues ahead of the Copa del Rey final.
- David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga both left the match injured.
- Kylian Mbappe is expected to return for the final.
- Barcelona will miss Robert Lewandowski due to injury.
- Real Madrid's win keeps them in the La Liga title race.
Madrid, April 24 (NationPress) Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti has encountered a significant injury dilemma as his team gears up for the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona on Saturday. Despite remaining four points behind Barcelona in La Liga due to Arda Guler's goal in a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe on Wednesday evening, both defender David Alaba and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga exited the match due to injuries.
Alaba, who was playing as a left-back, was substituted by Camavinga. Unfortunately, Camavinga later sustained an injury that prevented him from continuing with just three minutes remaining.
After the match, Ancelotti acknowledged the challenge of having either player fit for Saturday's final, stating, "It will be difficult for both to recover in time. Alaba has two injuries in his legs, and those are muscle issues, making it hard for him to be ready for Saturday."
With Ferland Mendy also sidelined, Ancelotti indicated that Fran Garcia is likely to start in the upcoming match. However, there is some good news for Madrid, as striker Kylian Mbappe trained with the team on Tuesday after dealing with an ankle injury sustained against Arsenal last week, and he is expected to be fit, as reported by Xinhua.
On the other hand, Barcelona will be missing Robert Lewandowski, who suffered a hamstring injury last weekend.
Earlier in the day, Arda Guler's first-half goal was crucial in keeping Real Madrid in contention for the La Liga title with a 1-0 win against Getafe. The Turkish international scored from the edge of the penalty area after Getafe goalkeeper David Soria had saved a shot from Brahim Diaz, who was part of a significantly altered Madrid lineup. Soria made several key saves, while Getafe struggled to challenge Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal.
Wednesday was a successful day for Athletic Bilbao, who edged past Las Palmas 1-0 at home, while their closest competitor for fourth place, Villarreal, was defeated 3-0 by Celta Vigo. Inaki Williams netted the only goal five minutes into the match with a precise finish from Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta's pass. Alex Berenguer hit the crossbar for Athletic, while Adnan Januzaj rattled the woodwork for the visitors during a tense second half, which saw home goalkeeper Unai Simon make two crucial saves.
