Kylian Mbappé’s Absence from Real Madrid’s Squad: A Tooth Problem or Tactical Decision?
In the world of football, where every match can be a turning point, the absence of a star player can send ripples through the fanbase and the team alike. This week, Real Madrid fans were left in suspense as Kylian Mbappé was unexpectedly left out of the squad for the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg against Real Sociedad. The reason? A tooth problem that required the French forward to have a tooth removed earlier in the week.
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, had initially assured fans that Mbappé would be available for the crucial cup tie. In a pre-match news conference, Ancelotti stated, “Mbappé will travel tomorrow. He had a problem with his tooth, he couldn’t train today, but he’ll travel tomorrow, and everyone who travels has the chance to play.” Despite these reassurances, when the matchday squad was announced, Mbappé’s name was conspicuously absent.
Mbappé’s form this season has been nothing short of spectacular. With 14 goals already in 2025, he has been a key player for Real Madrid. His absence from the squad was not the only surprise; goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Federico Valverde were also missing. Courtois was not expected to play against Real Sociedad, as Andriy Lunin has been the preferred choice for Madrid’s Copa del Rey games this season. Valverde, on the other hand, was given a rest after playing against Manchester City last week while not fully fit.
Mbappé’s time at Real Madrid has been relatively injury-free, aside from a broken nose at Euro 2024. His goal-scoring prowess has been evident, with 17 goals in 23 LaLiga games and seven goals in 10 Champions League appearances, including a memorable hat trick against Manchester City last week.
Real Madrid’s Upcoming Challenges
The decision to rest key players like Mbappé and Valverde could be strategic, given the challenging schedule that Real Madrid faces. After the Copa del Rey clash, they are set to play away at Real Betis in LaLiga this weekend. Following that, they will face local rivals Atletico in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash. It’s a demanding period for the team, and Ancelotti might be looking to manage his squad’s fitness levels carefully.
- Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad – Copa del Rey Semifinal
- Real Madrid vs. Real Betis – Upcoming LaLiga Match
- Real Madrid vs. Atletico – Champions League Round-of-16
For fans and analysts alike, the absence of Mbappé raises questions about Real Madrid’s strategy and depth. While the tooth problem is a legitimate concern, it also highlights the importance of having a well-rounded squad capable of stepping up when key players are unavailable.
As the season progresses, Real Madrid will need to navigate these challenges with precision. The decision to rest players like Mbappé and Valverde could prove to be a masterstroke if it ensures their availability and peak performance in the more critical stages of the season.
In the meantime, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Real Madrid performs without their star forward. Will the team rise to the occasion, or will Mbappé’s absence be felt on the pitch? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world of football is never short of drama and intrigue.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland,Rodrigo Faez
