Key Points

Real Madrid is facing a significant injury challenge ahead of their Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that defenders David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are unlikely to be fit for the crucial match. Despite the setback, the team secured a vital 1-0 win against Getafe, with young star Arda Guler scoring the decisive goal. The good news is that Kylian Mbappe is expected to return to the squad for the high-stakes final.

Key Points: Ancelotti's Madrid Injury Crisis Ahead of Barcelona Copa Final

  • Alaba and Camavinga suffer injuries in Getafe match
  • Mbappe likely to return for crucial final
  • Arda Guler secures 1-0 win against Getafe
2 min read

Double injury setback for Real Madrid ahead of Copa del Rey final

Real Madrid faces double injury blow with Alaba and Camavinga doubtful for crucial Copa del Rey showdown against Barcelona

"We'll have to see, but Alaba has two injuries in his legs - Carlo Ancelotti"

Madrid, April 24

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has suffered a double injury setback as his side starts to prepare for Saturday's Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona. Although Madrid remained four points behind Barcelona in La Liga thanks to Arda Guler's goal in a 1-0 win away to Getafe on Wednesday night, both defender David Alaba and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga had to leave the match with injuries.

Alaba, who started at left-back, was replaced by Camavinga. But Camavinga then suffered an injury that left him unable to continue with just three minutes left to play.

Speaking after the match, Ancelotti confirmed it would be "difficult" for either player to recover in time for Saturday's final. "We'll have to see, but Alaba has two injuries in his legs and it's going to be hard for him to recover for Saturday as they are muscle problems," said the coach.

With Ferland Mendy also injured, Ancelotti said the absences meant Fran Garcia would probably start Saturday's game. The good news for Madrid is that striker Kylian Mbappe trained with the squad on Tuesday after suffering an ankle injury against Arsenal last week, and the Frenchman should be fit, reports Xinhua.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will be without Robert Lewandowski, who pulled a hamstring last weekend.

Earlier on Wednesday, Arda Guler's first-half goal kept Real Madrid in the hunt for the La Liga title with a 1-0 win away to Getafe. The Turkey international fired home from the edge of the penalty area after Getafe goalkeeper David Soria had saved from Brahim Diaz, who also started in a much-changed Madrid starting 11. Soria made several other important saves, while Getafe worked hard but failed to seriously test Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid goal.

Wednesday was an excellent day for Athletic Bilbao, with the Basque side winning a close match 1-0 at home to Las Palmas, while Villarreal, its closest rival in the battle for fourth place, lost 3-0 away to Celta Vigo. Inaki Williams scored the only goal in five minutes, with a smart finish from Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta's pass to decide the game. Alex Berenguer hit the bar for Athletic, while Adnan Januzaj rattled the woodwork for the visitors in a nervy second half, in which home goalkeeper Unai Simon also produced two excellent saves.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
James R.
Tough break for Madrid right before the final 😬 Losing both Alaba AND Camavinga is huge. At least Mbappé is back though! That's our silver lining.
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Sarah K.
Fran Garcia starting in a cup final makes me nervous ngl. He's decent but not at the level we need against Barça's attack. Ancelotti will really need to work his magic with the tactics here.
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Miguel P.
Arda Güler is proving to be such a smart signing! That goal was pure class. Future looks bright with him and Bellingham in midfield 🚀
L
Lisa T.
The injury situation is bad but at least Barça are missing Lewa too. Makes it a bit more even. This final is going to be so intense!
A
Ahmed F.
Respectfully, I think Madrid's medical team needs reviewing. These muscle injuries keep happening at crucial moments. Prevention should be better.
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Emma L.
Courtois is back and looking solid! That's the real positive here. With him in goal, we always have a chance 💪

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