Ancelotti-favourite Real Madrid star will start vs Barcelona after overcoming injury
Having been beaten by the Blaugrana twice already this season, Carlo Ancelotti & co. will be eager to exact a measure of revenge and get their hands on a third trophy this season.
Boost for Real Madrid as Ferland Mendy set to start
Heading into the game, Real Madrid have been handed a boost as MARCA reports that Ferland Mendy will start at left-back in Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
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The French left-back has proven in recent training sessions that he has fully recovered from the injury sustained in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Atletico Madrid.
Following the match against Getafe, Mendy participated in the last two training sessions without issue, confirming his fitness.
As a result, manager Ancelotti has opted to include him in the starting eleven for the high-stakes clash at Estadio de La Cartuja.
Set to start vs Barcelona. (Photo by)
Ancelotti values Mendy's experience in major fixtures over what Fran Garcia might bring in what would be his first significant appearance as a starter.
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Throughout the season, the Italian coach has consistently shown greater trust in Mendy than in the academy product.
The initial plan had been to deploy Eduardo Camavinga at left-back. However, the injury he suffered in Getafe has ruled him out for the final and the remainder of the season.
While Ancelotti considered his options, Mendy's strong return in training has made him the clear choice.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde is set to start at right-back, with Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asensio expected to form the central defensive pairing.
The main tactical uncertainty lies in whether Ancelotti will stick with his usual setup, typically involving four attacking players, or opt for a more conservative approach with four midfielders.
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