Two key Real Madrid players step up recovery ahead of Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are now set to take part in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. For both teams, it is a major trophy at stake and a single game decides which team takes it. So far this season, however, Barcelona have clearly looked like the better side across the campaign.

While La Blaugrana are still alive and well in all major competitions this season, the same can not be said for Los Blancos. Having crashed out of the Champions League to Arsenal, being four points behind Barcelona in La Liga, and now set to face off against Hansi Flick’s side in the Copa del Rey final, there is a lot of speculation and pressure surrounding the side from Madrid.

However, that is exactly why Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be determined to prove themselves in this upcoming final. While Barcelona may have thrashed them in their last cup final meeting, this is a chance for redemption for Ancelotti’s team as they prepare themselves to face off against Barça again.

Furthermore, it is being reported by MARCA that Real Madrid hope to have two key players back for the game following their recent injuries. One of those players is French forward Kylian Mbappe, and the other is his French teammate and left-back Ferland Mendy.

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in action against Barcelona. Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images

Both players had been out of action recently and were recovering from their respective injuries. However, they have both managed to return to training with the ball again and it now looks likely that one of them, and potentially both players, could be fit for the Copa del Rey final.

Against Barcelona, Mbappe is almost a guarantee to feature as his recovery looks to have gone smoothly. Mendy, on the other hand, may need some more evaluation or time before his participation can be as much of a guarantee for Ancelotti.

Both players are reportedly now pushing themselves to be ready for the game. After all, Real Madrid will need all the firepower and help they can get to have as strong of a chance as possible to take on Barça.

As for FC Barcelona, they will be missing Robert Lewandowski and likely Alejandro Balde as well. However, as has been proven recently against RCD Mallorca as well, Barça can definitely string together impressive performances even without the Polish ace when needed.