Xabi Alonso reveals the new plan that he will do after Kylian Mbappe's injury
The Real Madrid coach prepares the match against Real Betis for LaLiga.
Real Madrid are going through a difficult spell in LaLiga, where Xabi Alonso’s side currently sit second in the standings, four points behind FC Barcelona. Los Blancos face a tough challenge this Sunday, January 4, on Matchday 19, as they host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The Spanish coach is expected to make several changes to the lineup, with star forward Kylian Mbappé ruled out due to injury, along with other key players such as Vinícius Jr. and Fede Valverde. Despite the setbacks, Alonso remained calm, highlighting the team’s work ethic and commitment, even amid recent struggles with results and injuries.
Xabi Alonso first addressed the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who has been sidelined after suffering a sprain to his left knee, an injury expected to keep him out of action for around three weeks.
“We were quite flexible; we didn’t change too much. Now we have other players and we need to find the best way to fit the pieces together,” Alonso said in a press conference. “Of course, we will miss him because his performances are incredible, as well as his influence. We have to fully trust the players who will step in, both tomorrow and in the Spanish Super Cup. Team spirit is fundamental.”
How many matches will Mbappé miss?
The French forward has scored 29 goals in 24 appearances this season, making his absence a significant blow for both the team and the fans. Mbappé is expected to miss approximately three weeks, which means he will be unavailable for the Spanish Super Cup — including the semifinal against Atlético Madrid and a potential final — the LaLiga clash against Levante on Matchday 20, and the Champions League fixture against AS Monaco.
Alonso also spoke about the departure of Endrick, who has been loaned out to Olympique Lyon. The Real Madrid coach explained that the move was necessary for the young forward to gain playing time, noting that he featured for just 99 minutes across LaLiga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey during the first half of the season.
“At this stage of his career, he needs to play,” Alonso explained. “I understand the club’s decision to invest in his development in the medium term. If that helps him grow as a player, then Madrid are doing things right. I understand Bobby’s situation and we will continue to monitor him closely.”
With Mbappé sidelined, Real Madrid have begun planning for the upcoming fixtures without their star striker — a situation that could benefit one particular player.
Gonzalo, the main beneficiary of Mbappé's injury
Twenty-one-year-old academy product Gonzalo García is expected to be the player who steps in for the Frenchman. Whenever Mbappé has been unavailable, Gonzalo has delivered solid numbers. His breakthrough moment with the first team came during the Club World Cup, where he scored four goals without Mbappé in the lineup.
This season, however, Gonzalo has yet to register a goal or an assist in 17 appearances, making the upcoming matches a key opportunity to prove his recent progress.
Mbappé’s injury is undoubtedly a major setback for Real Madrid. Nevertheless, Xabi Alonso insisted he remains calm and confident in the players at his disposal ahead of the clash against Real Betis and next week’s Spanish Super Cup, which will be played in Saudi Arabia.
