Mbappe's Latest Development Creates Major Headache for Alonso and Real Madrid

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso offered little comfort regarding Kylian Mbappé's injury concerns, acknowledging his squad "will feel his absence" in the upcoming match against Alavés.

The French striker was absent from training sessions due to a muscle issue before Manchester City's visit to the Bernabéu on Wednesday night. While Mbappé was included in Alonso's Champions League roster, he remained on the bench throughout Los Blancos' 2–1 loss.

Following another disappointing outcome for the Madrid club, Alonso, who had already turned his attention to this weekend's La Liga encounter at Campo de Futbol de Mendizorrotza, provided an assessment of Mbappé's condition.

"It's premature to determine his availability for Sunday," the Spanish tactician stated. "He obviously wasn't ready to feature [against Man City]. When he's absent from the field, we feel his loss, despite having opportunities to net a second goal."

Rodrygo gave Real Madrid the lead in the 28th minute—ending his 32-match scoring drought in spectacular fashion—but Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland quickly replied for the Citizens, forcing the home side to search for a leveler in the second period.

However, without Mbappé, Alonso's squad couldn't find the target again despite promising opportunities for Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

Mbappé Remains 'Uncertain' for Alonso's Critical Challenge

The heat on Alonso has intensified following Wednesday's outcome as Real Madrid have secured victory in only two of their previous eight fixtures across all tournaments.

Spanish media suggests the former Bayer Leverkusen coach might face dismissal with another disappointing performance before the holiday period. Losing points would see the team slip further back in the La Liga championship race; Los Blancos currently sit four points behind Barcelona.

Per MARCA, Mbappé's participation against Alavés remains questionable. The 26-year-old is absent from team training sessions and appears unlikely to be match-ready for a starting role at minimum.

Alonso will be anxiously monitoring Mbappé's recovery right up until Sunday's kickoff. The France captain has shouldered the scoring responsibility for the team this campaign, netting 25 times in 21 outings.

Should he be unavailable, Alonso faces the difficult choice of giving Gonzalo García another start, or potentially deploying Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo as a front two.