Real Madrid will be without forward Kylian Mbappe and midfielder Jude Bellingham for Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarterfinal at Leganes, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on the eve of the match.
The duo join midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger as well as other long-term defensive absentees Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal on the sidelines.
France captain Mbappe, 26, has scored 21 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu from French champions Paris St Germain on a free transfer in June, while 21-year-old England international Bellingham has netted 10 times in 30 matches.
"Bellingham had a bruise from a knock and will not be available. Vinicius Jr. has been given an extra day to recover, but will be available for tomorrow," Ancelotti told reporters on Tuesday.
"Mbappe trained today. He has a bruise on his calf. He trained normally today, but he won't be available for the game tomorrow."
📋✅ Our squad for the match!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 4, 2025
🆚 @CDLeganes_en pic.twitter.com/XZKNY8Szb0
Madrid, who top the LaLiga standings with 49 points from 22 matches, one point ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, are set for a tough set of fixtures in coming days as Ancelotti tries to navigate through the defensive injury crisis.
Their visit to Leganes will be followed by a league derby against Atletico at home on Saturday and a trip to Manchester City in the Champions League knockout phase playoffs on 11 February.
"What I have to think about is how to deal with the emergency we have. We had it last year. We have to manage it well. We managed it well last year. The young players will be able to show their quality. We are going to rely on (20-year-old defender) Jacobo (Ramon)," Ancelotti said.
While Madrid did not sign any new players in the January transfer window, which closed on Monday, their Champions League rivals City have splashed over £180 million on new arrivals including Spanish midfielder Nico and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush.
"I have to think about the game against City with these players they have signed," Ancelotti said.
"They are always competitive. But we have other things to think about at the moment."