Kylian Mbappe was expected to be out for three weeks due to his latest injury, but is on the verge of making a surprise return against Barcelona.
Published January 10, 2026
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso says Kylian Mbappé’s fitness could be a risk if he is controlled ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona, but it won’t be a “kamikaze”.
French superstar Mbappé missed Thursday’s semi-final win against Atletico Madrid but flew to Saudi Arabia on Friday to join up with the squad ahead of the Clasico in Jeddah.
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Mbappe is recovering from a knee sprain he sustained at the end of December and was expected to take three weeks to recover.
Asked if the forward, Madrid’s top scorer this season with 29 goals in all competitions, would be able to play while receiving painkiller injections, Alonso said Madrid would be cautious.
“This is a decision that has to be made between the staff, the players and the doctors,” Alonso told a news conference.
“We have to measure the risk, know what we’re playing for in the moment we’re in, and then make a decision. But when we make a decision, we’re not kamikaze pilots. It’s a managed risk.”
Alonso explained that Mbappe, who missed last weekend’s La Liga win against Real Betis and the derby against Atlético, is feeling much better.
“He is feeling much better. He would not have been ready to play against Atlético. We decided not to accelerate (his return),” the coach said.
“I kept in mind that if we could get to the final, depending on how he felt, we would see him come here.
“When he trains today, we will get all the information we need and see if he is ready to start or if he can play a little less.”
Winning the Super Cup would be Alonso’s first silver medal since joining Madrid last June and would take some pressure off his shoulders.
The Spaniard’s form deteriorated at the end of 2025 and he was almost sacked, but Madrid have won their last five games.
“Projects take time… We are evolving football-wise, emotionally and team spirit-wise,” Alonso said.
“We feel a connection with the players. Games like this can have a big impact on the rest of the season.”
