With the Copa del Rey final looming on April 26, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are facing fitness scares over their biggest stars. The build-up to El Clasico’s latest edition at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville has taken a dramatic turn, as Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski have both emerged as major doubts. For fans, the anticipation is now wrapped in uncertainty, not just about who will win—but who will play.
Barcelona’s preparations suffered a major blow during their recent La Liga clash with Celta Vigo. In the 77th minute, Robert Lewandowski limped off the field clutching his left thigh. The Polish striker, a vital cog in Hansi Flick’s system, reportedly muttered “I have torn it” as he exited, head down and in clear distress.
Initial assessments have raised fears of a biceps femoris tear, a type of hamstring injury that could sideline him for at least three weeks—effectively ruling him out of the final. “There is growing pessimism within Barcelona over Robert Lewandowski’s availability,” reported Diario AS.
If confirmed, the Pole’s absence would leave the Blaugrana further depleted. With Alejandro Balde already ruled out, Flick would be forced to reshape his attack—possibly around Ferran Torres—for one of the most pivotal matches of the season.
Mbappe’s knock comes at the worst possible time
While Barcelona digests the potential loss of their top striker, Real Madrid faces an anxious wait of their own. Kylian Mbappe, their leading goal scorer with 33 goals this season, picked up an ankle injury during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal.
The French star was substituted in the 75th minute after an awkward collision with Declan Rice, wincing in pain as he was replaced by Brahim Diaz. Early reports suggested a sprain, but medical evaluations have now confirmed a light ankle sprain.
“Mbappe has yet to rejoin group training sessions,” wrote The Athletic, noting that his ankle remains visibly swollen, despite the injury not being considered serious. The challenge now lies in timing. Los Blancos’ medical team is working under pressure, closely monitoring the inflammation while Carlo Ancelotti manages his squad carefully in the Frenchman’s absence.
Will Mbappe make it?
The Copa del Rey final is just over a week away, and fans are desperate to know whether Mbappe will be ready. The answer, fortunately for Madridistas, is yes—conditionally.
According to Cadena Cope and Diario AS, Mbappe will be available for the final, provided he does not feature in any other match beforehand. This precaution is why he will miss Sunday’s clash against Athletic Club, not just due to his red card suspension from the Alaves game, but also to protect his ankle.
He is also expected to sit out the midweek trip to Getafe, giving him maximum recovery time ahead of the final. The decision underlines the importance of the showdown in Seville—and how far Madrid are willing to go to have their talisman ready.
“Mbappe was fortunate,” noted Diario AS, highlighting that the injury could have been significantly worse, potentially robbing him of a chance to play in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.
