Xabi Alonso Drops Bombshell on Kylian Mbappe's Super Cup Final Fate in 'Controlled Risk' Revelation
Kylian Mbappé has rejoined Real Madrid's training sessions before Sunday's Super Cup final clash with Barcelona, as coach Xabi Alonso admits he's considering the "gamble" of fielding the French star.
Sidelined by a left knee problem in late December, Mbappé was anticipated to require approximately three weeks of recovery and missed the journey to Saudi Arabia for the Super Cup semifinal triumph over Atlético Madrid this week.
Nevertheless, Mbappé has since linked up with the team in the Middle East and participated in Saturday's practice session, hoping to make a swift return for the marquee encounter.
"His condition has improved significantly," Alonso commented about Mbappé. "He was cutting it close for the Atlético match, so we chose not to force his return, but we kept open the possibility he could be ready for the final if he felt comfortable. He arrived [on Friday] and will train alongside the squad.
"We'll evaluate his status and determine whether he can begin or if he'll feature for limited minutes.
"This choice will be made collaboratively with the player, coaching team and medical personnel. We must consider the gamble involved. We need to factor in the timeline, what's on the line, and then accept accountability for our choices.
"We don't act recklessly with these determinations. It's a calculated gamble."
New Defensive Setback Disrupts Alonso's Plans
Although AS reports Mbappé finished the training session without complications, Madrid encountered another defensive setback with left back Ferland Mendy.
The French fullback reported a calf problem that's now anticipated to rule him out of Sunday's match, further complicating matters for Alonso as he continues managing a defensive injury situation.
Center back Antonio Rüdiger hasn't been practicing with the weakened defensive group. He's likely to be included in the squad but probably won't start, with left back Álvaro Carreras expected to fill in—at least before Mendy's injury.
Alonso must now overcome another challenge in defense, where Éder Militão is already absent and none of David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Dani Carvajal are completely healthy.
"[Center back] is a position where we've experienced more uncertainty regarding player availability, and that creates additional pressure on those who must play more frequently and provide extra commitment," Alonso observed. "We must cope with this situation.
"We have the chance to compete in a final, and I'm confident the inspiration of this moment will help overcome any physical concerns. Enthusiasm levels will be elevated."