Ancelotti’s Worry: Camavinga & Alaba Injury Scare Ahead of Copa del Rey Final

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has conceded that key players David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are major doubts for Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Both players sustained muscle discomfort during their team’s narrow 1-0 LaLiga victory over Getafe on Wednesday.   

Defender Alaba was the first to feel the strain, being substituted in the first half by midfielder Camavinga. However, Camavinga himself was later forced off the pitch, leaving Real Madrid to finish the game with ten men.  

Speaking after the match, Ancelotti acknowledged the difficult situation. “We’ll have to see tomorrow,” he said regarding Camavinga’s chances for the final. “He and Alaba both had muscular discomfort. Recovery for Saturday will be difficult.”

The Italian manager further revealed that with Alaba and Camavinga likely sidelined, and Ferland Mendy still recovering from his own injury, Fran García would be Real Madrid’s only fit option at left-back for the crucial El Clasico Copa del Rey final.  

Despite the injury concerns, Real Madrid’s win against Getafe ensured they remain just four points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona heading into the cup final. Ancelotti, when asked if Barcelona might be considered favorites given the circumstances, offered a cautious perspective. “It’s a final,” he stated. “Maybe there’s a favorite, but in the final, anything can happen.”  

Looking beyond the immediate injury crisis, Ancelotti also discussed the future role of Arda Güler, who scored the winning goal against Getafe with a well-taken strike. The manager believes Güler’s long-term position lies in central midfield, rather than in a more advanced attacking role. He explained that in a 4-4-2 formation, Güler’s best fit would be on the right wing. Still, in a 4-3-3 system, he has the potential to excel as a midfielder, praising his work ethic and playmaking abilities despite needing to develop more in physical duels.  

The match at Getafe was also marred by unsporting behavior from some home fans, as play was briefly halted due to offensive chants directed at Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos. This incident appears to stem from a previous game in 2016 when Ceballos, playing for Real Betis, was allegedly involved in comments made after Getafe were relegated.