Xabi Alonso didn’t need that. Tomorrow evening, the 43-year-old technician will play big against Manchester City, he who is increasingly discussed at Real Madrid. And for this oh-so-important meeting, the Spaniard will have to do without several players since 7 players will already miss the clash against Pep Guardiola’s Skyblues. Thus, Eder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Dean Huijsen and Eduardo Camavinga. To make matters worse, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rüdiger are very tired but they will be available depending on AS. Finally, there remains the enigma Kylian Mbappé. Yesterday, the Iberian press announced that the Frenchman suffered a fracture of his left ring finger.
The 26-year-old striker was injured during a bad fall in the first half on Sunday against Celta de Vigo (2-0 defeat). Despite his suffering, the Frenchman held on and continued to play. AS has also specified that the former PSG, although reduced, will play Wednesday evening against the Cityzens in C1. Except that this Tuesday, new information from Spain upsets all certainties. Indeed, several local media assure that KM10 was not present during training this morning due to muscular discomfort in his left leg. There SER Chain assures that it is «quasi impossible» that he plays during this clash of stars tomorrow evening at the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium. Others, like The Chiringuito, indicate that it is uncertain without necessarily yet talking about a package.
Kylian Mbappé will decide
Mark is not affirmative either. The Spanish daily specifies: “Kylian Mbappé’s participation in the match against Manchester City remains uncertain as the match approaches. The striker is suffering from a broken finger and persistent muscle pain in his left leg, which limited his participation in Real Madrid’s latest training session. If the technical staff has not ruled out playing him, the final decision will depend on his condition in the hours preceding the match. If Mbappé is available, his playing time will be significantly reduced, which worries the coach due to the potential consequences on the game strategy and the starting XI. Caution is required, but the importance of the meeting requires exploring all options before confirming his absence.
A source within the club added on this subject: “He is very uncertain… and if he plays, his playing time will be very limited.” The ball is in Mbappé’s court, which worries everyone according to AS. “Mbappé is very uncertain! Kylian suffers from discomfort in his left leg. Before the last training session, he prays that his injuries will heal (…) There is the great unknown Kylian. He is limited by a fracture on his ring finger. But he also suffered a bruise on his left leg. “He is very uncertain, and if he plays, he will be severely limited,” confides an internal source. Here is the Real Madrid table. Only four defenders and their star attacker diminished. Seven players absent, and maybe eight. To face Guardiola and Haaland. A giant in great shape, with 20 goals in 20 games. And faced with Goliath, they are exhausted.”
Real Madrid and Spain very worried
AS adds that everything is in the hands of the French. “Everything is based on Mbappé’s feelings and the opinion of Real Madrid’s doctors. If Kylian feels capable of playing, and if the medical staff deems it possible, he will play. The embarrassment is not serious, but it is enough to sow doubt. Not because of his finger, which the attacker thought he was playing with. Atrophied and painful, sure, but he would have played. The problem lies in the embarrassment he already felt against Celta Vigo. However, if there is the slightest chance to play, to not seriously compromise his future, he will give his all. And the announcement of the team composition depends on that, when the decision will be made. If the situation remains unclear today, it will be postponed until tomorrow. Wait as long as possible. Given the circumstances. A situation where Mbappé wants to be. And Real Madrid wants him and needs him.” Sports World believes it would be a big blow for Xabi Alonso, who is in danger “during a crucial match that he could have to play without Kylian Mbappé”.
Still in Catalonia, Sport is also worried about the Madrid coach. “The potential absence of the striker would be a big blow for Xabi Alonso’s side. The coach’s future hangs in the balance after poor results over the past month, during which Real Madrid not only lost their lead over Barça, but also found themselves four points behind the current league leader. Losing Mbappé would mean losing the most decisive player of the season. In 21 matches played this season, the French international has scored 25 goals (16 in La Liga and 9 in the Champions League), which makes him the team’s top scorer by far. Real Madrid have demonstrated a heavy reliance on their striker to score goals, and their potential replacements (Gonzalo or Endrick) have had almost no opportunities to play regularly. “It would therefore be surprising if one of them started against City.” The SER Chain concludes by saying that the bad news is piling up for Xabi Alonso. A coach who will play more than one match tomorrow night. And there is no doubt that he wants his lucky charm Mbappé to be present.
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