Real Madrid team news vs Barcelona: Rodrygo set to start as doubts remain over Mbappe's fitness for Copa final
Real Madrid are preparing for Sunday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in La Cartuja, with Carlo Ancelotti facing key decisions regarding his starting lineup — most notably around Kylian Mbappe, who is still recovering from an ankle sprain.
Mbappe, who suffered the injury ten days ago against Arsenal, remains a doubt, and a final test on the morning of the match will determine his availability. In the meantime, AS reports that Rodrygo has emerged as a strong candidate to start, with Ancelotti himself hinting at the Brazilian's inclusion after the win over Getafe.
Should Mbappe be cleared to play, his inclusion could force Luka Modric out of the starting eleven, with Ancelotti possibly choosing to shift the formation. If not, Modric is expected to start, alongside Tchouameni and Ceballos in midfield.
Another late decision is expected at left-back. Despite stating Fran Garcia would start, the coach is now considering Ferland Mendy, who returned from injury later than Mbappe but has gained ground in recent days. Mendy could be handed the start, with Garcia available as backup.
The rest of the lineup appears settled. Courtois is set to start in goal, with Valverde again filling in at right-back, while Rudiger and Asensio are expected to continue as the centre-back pairing. Jude Bellingham will support the attack behind Vinicius and Rodrygo — unless Mbappe is declared fit.
If the French forward misses out, Madrid's likely eleven mirrors the side that beat Athletic Club recently, with Mendy replacing the injured Camavinga.
Expected Real Madrid XI vs Barcelona: Courtois; Valverde, Asensio, Rudiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius. Mbappe could replace Modric if fit to start.
On the bench, Ancelotti will have Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Lucas Vazquez, Alaba, Vallejo, Fran Garcia, Arda Guler, Brahim and Endrick — the latter being the current Copa del Rey top scorer with five goals.
Injured players Carvajal, Militao and Camavinga will also be present in La Cartuja to support their teammates.
