Wed Feb 26 21:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Mbappe to Miss Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey Semifinal Despite Ancelotti’s Assurance
**San Sebastián, Spain** – Real Madrid’s star striker Kylian Mbappé will miss the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad, despite earlier assurances from manager Carlo Ancelotti that he would be available. While Ancelotti confirmed on Tuesday that Mbappé had a tooth problem that prevented training, he insisted the player would travel with the team and be eligible to play. However, the club’s official matchday squad released on Wednesday omitted Mbappé, along with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Federico Valverde.
Mbappé, who has been in exceptional form this season with 17 goals in LaLiga and 7 in the Champions League, including a recent hat-trick against Manchester City, underwent a tooth extraction earlier this week. Ancelotti’s initial statement indicated the issue wouldn’t prevent his participation, but ultimately, the Frenchman will be absent from the crucial cup tie.
The absence of Courtois was anticipated, with Andriy Lunin set to start in goal as he has in previous Copa del Rey matches. Valverde’s omission is attributed to rest after playing through injury against Manchester City. Real Madrid faces a demanding schedule in the coming days, with a LaLiga match against Real Betis and the first leg of their Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid on the horizon.
First Piper 