Kylian Mbappe is suffering from a "tooth problem" which has kept him out of Real Madrid's Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Real Sociedad.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Mbappe had a tooth extraction Will miss the Copa del Rey clash against SociedadAncelotti has rested Courtois & ValverdeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 26-year-old forward had a tooth extraction earlier this week, which prevented him from participating in training sessions. Although Ancelotti expected Mbappe to be available for the first leg of the semi-final tie, the 2018 World Cup winner lost the race against time and had to be omitted from the matchday squad.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID
While addressing the media, Ancelotti had said: "Mbappe will travel with the team and he may play. He did not train today because of a tooth problem.”
However, when Real Madrid announced the squad on Wednesday afternoon, Mbappe was ultimately left out.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
In addition to Mbappe’s absence, Real Madrid's squad for the Copa del Rey clash also missed the presence of two other key players – Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde. Both players were given the night off by Ancelotti, who decided to rest them for this fixture. This decision allows the squad to maintain a balanced workload as the team prepares for a crucial series of matches, including upcoming La Liga fixtures.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mbappe's unavailability provides the opportunity for other players like Arda Guler or Endrick to step up and gain more playing time. There has been speculation about the future of these youngsters in the Spanish capital due to their lack of involvement on the pitch, but Ancelotti has insisted that both of them are an integral part of the club's future.