Real Madrid Faces Athletic Club Without Injured Mbappe

Real Madrid are set to face Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu after being eliminated from the Champions League and trailing Barcelona by four points in La Liga. The team will be without Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury and a one-match ban, leaving manager Carlo Ancelotti to rely on other attacking options, including the promising young forward Endrick. Endrick, noted for his impressive goal-scoring rate despite limited minutes, is under strong consideration for a rare start as Madrid look to inject fresh energy into their lineup. Squad rotation is anticipated, especially with the Copa del Rey final approaching, but Ancelotti has not called up any youth forwards, instead sticking with Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, and Endrick. The upcoming match against fourth-placed Athletic Club is crucial, as Madrid must secure a win to maintain their title hopes and fend off in-form rivals. With key players like Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao still absent, the squad will rely on returning members such as Andriy Lunin and Eduardo Camavinga for reinforcement.