MADRID — Kylian Mbappé has been left out of Real Madrid’s lineup for the Copa del Rey clash against Real Sociedad scheduled for Wednesday. Coach Carlo Ancelotti initially intended for Mbappé to participate in the semifinal’s first leg in the Basque Country but decided against it due to the player’s incomplete recovery from a tooth issue. As a result, the French forward did not join the squad traveling for the match.
Ancelotti also opted for rest over inclusion for two of his regular starters, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Federico Valverde. Mbappé, who missed training on Tuesday due to dental surgery, has been exceptionally prolific lately, netting six goals over his last five appearances across various competitions. His performance notably included a remarkable hat trick in the return leg of the Champions League playoffs against Manchester City. With Mbappé absent, forwards Brazil’s Endrick and Brahim Díaz are expected to step up and fill the void in the attack.
Meanwhile, the other semifinal in the Copa del Rey saw Barcelona and Atlético Madrid end their first leg with a 4-4 draw in Barcelona on Tuesday.
