Xabi Alonso Takes Major Gamble on Injured Kylian Mbappé Ahead of Crucial Manchester City Clash

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has made a bold and potentially risky decision by including Kylian Mbappé in the squad to face Manchester City in Wednesday night’s blockbuster Champions League fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Mbappé missed Tuesday’s training session due to a left-leg issue, sparking intense speculation and concern across Spain. Reports from Cadena Cope heightened panic by confirming he felt discomfort, prompting fears he could miss the crucial game.

But Alonso has shut down the uncertainty by naming the 26-year-old superstar in Madrid’s official matchday squad — a move that underscores both Mbappé’s importance and the manager’s desperation with his job on the line.

Mbappé’s Season of Dominance

Mbappé has been nothing short of extraordinary this season:

• 25 goals across all competitions

• 4 Champions League assists

• Responsible for 50% of Madrid’s La Liga goals

• Responsible for 75% of their Champions League goals

• Closing in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 69 goals in a calendar year

His last Champions League performance — a four-goal showcase against Olympiacos — highlighted just how heavily Madrid rely on him. Without Mbappé, the team’s attacking threat drops significantly.

Pressure Mounting on Xabi Alonso

Alonso enters the City clash under immense pressure following:

• A 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo

• Just 2 wins in their last 7 matches

• A widening 4-point gap behind Barcelona

• Multiple injuries and red cards disrupting the squad

Sunday’s loss was catastrophic — Madrid finished with nine men and lost key defender Éder Militão for up to four months.

Reports across Spain suggest that defeat to Manchester City could be Alonso’s final match in charge.

Yet, Alonso remains defiant.

“We have to believe the next game is an opportunity,” he said.
“Communication with the board is constant… We are united.”

Plan “Endrick”: Madrid’s Backup Strategy

With Mbappé’s fitness uncertain, Alonso dedicated extra time in training to 18-year-old Brazilian forward Endrick, preparing him as a potential replacement.

Spanish outlet Marca described it as:

“Plan Endrick” — Madrid’s emergency solution

Endrick could:

• Start the match

• Or come on early from the bench

• Make his first appearance since November 1

Other attacking alternatives include Gonzalo García, but all eyes remain on Mbappé. Madrid’s chances against City shrink considerably without their French talisman.

What Happens Next?

Wednesday night’s clash is more than just a Champions League showdown:

• It is Mbappé’s fitness versus Guardiola’s consistency

• It is Alonso’s job hanging in the balance

• It is Madrid’s season at a crossroads

Whether Alonso’s gamble pays off or backfires spectacularly will shape the narrative for weeks to come.

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