Mbappe on the Bench for Spanish Super Cup Final

11 January 2026at16:20

Star Kylian Mbappe will be on the substitutes' bench for the Spanish Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Barcelona, scheduled for Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Mbappe arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday and trained on Saturday, following his recovery from a left knee sprain suffered approximately ten days ago, an injury initially expected to sideline him for three weeks.

Due to this injury, the player missed Real Madrid's 2-1 semi-final victory over Atlético Madrid on Thursday, as well as their 5-1 La Liga win against Real Betis Sevilla on January 4.

In a statement on Saturday, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti commented on Mbappe's potential involvement, saying: “Should we play him while he’s under anesthesia? This is a decision we must make with the player, the coaching staff, and the doctors. Risks must always be weighed, but we are not 'suicidal'.”

Q&A

Why is Kylian Mbappe on the bench for the Spanish Super Cup final?

Kylian Mbappe is on the bench due to a left knee sprain suffered approximately ten days ago, an injury that initially projected a three-week recovery. Coach Ancelotti is taking a cautious approach to his return.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Kylian Mbappe's potential involvement in the Super Cup final?

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that playing Mbappe involves weighing risks with the player, staff, and doctors, emphasizing they are "not 'suicidal'" regarding his recovery.