Google News
Real Madrid's quest for trophies this season has been marred by injury concerns, with several key players missing recent matches. One such player is the Croatian midfielder, Luka Modrić, who recently suffered a groin muscle injury on his left leg.
Despite his efforts to recover quickly, including a trip to Belgrade for treatment by renowned physician Marijana Kovačević, Modrić's condition has not improved as expected.
Modrić's Absence and the Copa del Rey Final
Modrić was initially expected to miss the final of the Spanish King's Cup against Osasuna on May 6 and the first match of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on May 9, according to estimates by Real's medical team.
However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about Modrić's chances of featuring in the Copa del Rey final, stating: "He trained today, he's feeling good, we'll reassess him in the coming days. We won't take any risks but he is recovering really well and I think he has a chance of playing." Despite Modrić's uncertain availability, Ancelotti is confident that Real Madrid will have a full squad for the Copa del Rey final, apart from Ferland Mendy who is still recovering from a calf injury.
Ancelotti told reporters, "Mendy won't be playing, but the rest, more or less, will all recover. Valverde, Benzema and all those who were at home today will be available."
The Quest for Trophies Continues
Real Madrid is currently 14 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, who are on the verge of winning the title, but the capital giants still have a chance to win two trophies this term.
They will face Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and Ancelotti is confident that his team will be fully focused and motivated for both games. "I'm confident we'll see a different team in the next two games, with the utmost focus and motivation.
A squad that is practically 100% ready to win the Copa del Rey and fight to reach the Champions League final. Of course, motivation is not like a light, but this team is quite special in this regard," said Ancelotti. The recent defeat to Real Sociedad has affected the team's morale and confidence, but Ancelotti remains optimistic.
He stated, "It's not the best way to get ready for the match because a defeat always hurts, it worries you and hits the morale and the positive dynamic a bit. It's not ideal for us in terms of preparation for what we have to come but it's pretty clear that the players' minds are thinking ahead to Saturday's final and the semi-final as well.
That impacts your concentration in games and when your focus is not there, you end up gifting goals."