The duo is dealing with muscle issues and will be rested with upcoming matches in mind.

Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s crucial Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Leganés, scheduled for Wednesday at 8:00 PM.

The absence of the two stars is a significant setback for Los Blancos, given their influence on the team’s attacking and midfield play this season. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to rest them as a precaution, prioritizing their recovery ahead of a series of season-defining fixtures in the coming weeks.

The confirmation of their absence came directly from Ancelotti during a pre-match press conference, where the Italian coach provided details on their injuries. Mbappé, who has been instrumental in Madrid’s attacking play, is recovering from a calf hematoma, while Bellingham, one of the most consistent performers in the squad, is also dealing with muscle discomfort. Given the packed fixture schedule ahead, Ancelotti and the club’s medical staff decided it would be best to sideline both players, ensuring they recover fully rather than risk aggravating their injuries.

Real Madrid’s decision to rest Mbappé and Bellingham underlines the importance of squad management at this stage of the season. The Copa del Rey remains a prestigious domestic trophy, but with a series of decisive matches ahead in LaLiga and the Champions League, Madrid is prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term availability. With key players already out due to injuries, including Éder Militão, Thibaut Courtois, and David Alaba, Ancelotti cannot afford to take unnecessary risks with two of his most valuable players.

Although Madrid will be without their two biggest stars, they remain strong favorites against Leganés, a team currently competing in the Segunda División. However, cup competitions are known for surprises, and Real Madrid will need to be at their best to avoid an upset. The squad depth will be tested, with players like Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., and Brahim Díaz expected to take on greater responsibility in attack. In midfield, the experienced duo of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos may be relied upon to dictate play, while Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni could also play crucial roles in compensating for Bellingham’s absence.

Beyond the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid faces a defining period in their campaign, with their next three matches holding massive significance. Immediately after the cup tie, Madrid will take on city rivals Atlético Madrid in LaLiga on Saturday. The Madrid derby is always an intense and fiercely contested fixture, but this edition carries even greater weight as the race for the Spanish league title tightens. Madrid currently leads LaLiga with 49 points, just one ahead of Atlético, making this encounter a pivotal moment in the season.

Following the derby, Los Blancos will face Osasuna on February 15 in another crucial LaLiga fixture before shifting their focus to the UEFA Champions League, where they will meet Manchester City in the knockout play-off round. The first leg is scheduled for February 11 at the Etihad Stadium, with the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on February 19. Given City’s dominance in European football in recent seasons, this tie is expected to be one of the toughest challenges Madrid has faced in recent years.

The Champions League clash against Manchester City holds special significance, not only because of the stakes involved but also due to the recent history between the two clubs. Last season, Madrid suffered a painful elimination at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s side, with City delivering a dominant performance in the semi-finals. This year, Ancelotti’s squad will be determined to seek revenge and advance further in the competition, making the availability of key players like Mbappé and Bellingham absolutely crucial.

Ancelotti’s rotation strategy reflects Madrid’s long-term ambitions. While the Copa del Rey remains an important competition, the ultimate priority is maintaining their position at the top of LaLiga and advancing deep into the Champions League. A fully fit Mbappé and Bellingham could be the difference between success and failure in these critical matches.

With the Madrid squad facing a demanding period, depth and squad rotation will be key. Players like Joselu, Dani Ceballos, and Fran García may see increased playing time, while Ancelotti will also look to manage the minutes of veterans like Modrić and Kroos to keep them fresh for the biggest games.

As Real Madrid enters this crucial phase of the season, all eyes will be on how they navigate these challenges without two of their most influential stars. While their absence against Leganés may not have major consequences, their fitness for the upcoming derby and Champions League showdown will be a decisive factor in Madrid’s quest for silverware.