The Japan Times - Mbappe on Real Madrid bench for Clasico Copa del Rey final

France striker Mbappe suffered an ankle injury in his team's Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal last week and had missed their last two La Liga matches.

Mbappe is Madrid's top goalscorer with 33 strikes across all competitions.

Madrid lined up with four midfielders, including Jude Bellingham, behind a strike partnership of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes.

Ferland Mendy started at left-back for Madrid after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for six weeks.

Hansi Flick selected the expected Barcelona side, with Ferran Torres in for injured top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski up front.

Gerard Martin played at left-back in the absence of Alejandro Balde, also sidelined through injury.

Flick opted for Dani Olmo in attacking midfield ahead of Fermin Lopez and Gavi, with teenage star Lamine Yamal and red-hot winger Raphinha on the flanks.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was on the bench after a long-term injury absence, with Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.

Starting line-ups for the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on Saturday:

Barcelona (4-3-3)

Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha

Coach: Hansi Flick (GER)

Real Madrid (4-4-2)

Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA)

Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (ESP)

Y.Kato--JT