BOLD claim: Real Madrid’s fate could hinge on one call of faith in Kylian Mbappe, as the French star is named in the squad to face Manchester City – a decision that could define Xabi Alonso’s tenure. But here’s where it gets controversial: Mbappe’s injury scare and the timing of his inclusion raise more questions than answers, and the pressure on Alonso is mounting as Madrid chase a crucial Champions League result.
Mbappe’s status for the City clash remains the big mystery. He did not train on Tuesday, fueling talk of whether he would be fit enough to start or even come off the bench at the Bernabeu. Despite the concerns, the Real Madrid coach has still included Mbappe in the matchday squad, ensuring he at least features as a substitute if needed.
Mbappe has been Madrid’s standout player this season, with a return of 25 goals across all competitions and four assists in the Champions League. His form has powered the team in La Liga and Europe, contributing a substantial share of Madrid’s goals, and his four-goal masterclass against Olympiacos in the last Champions League outing underscored how pivotal he can be. This level of dependency places immense weight on his availability for Wednesday’s game.
The decision to include Mbappe comes at a precarious moment for Alonso. Madrid were hammered 2-0 at home by Celta Vigo on Sunday, extending a run of just two wins in seven matches across all competitions. The defeat came with two red cards and a serious muscle injury to centre-back Eder Militao, sidelining him for up to four months and widening the La Liga gap to four points behind Barcelona. With City looming, there’s growing speculation that another poor result could accelerate changes in the dugout.
Yet Alonso remains defiant. He stressed unity and resilience, saying, “We are all in the same boat. We have to go through positive and negative times. We need to believe the next game is an opportunity, and tomorrow we have a very exciting game for all of us, and we need to keep our energy so the Bernabeu enjoys what it sees. Communication with the board is constant. We are united, we are all together in this, and I have a good relationship with them.”
To cover for potential Mbappe minutes, Alonso has been developing a contingency plan around Endrick, the 18-year-old Brazilian forward who arrived in the summer. Endrick has been given special attention and coaching from the manager, indicating he could feature against City, either from the start or off the bench for his first appearance since November 1. Marca has called this arrangement “Plan Endrick,” underscoring Madrid’s willingness to look beyond Mbappe if necessary. Another attacking option, Gonzalo García, could also step in if Mbappe is not available.
The big question remains: how much can Madrid rely on Mbappe’s fitness? With a defense hit by injuries to players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Militao, Alonso may again lean on a collective fight rather than a one-man rescue mission. Midfield talisman Aurelien Tchouameni highlighted the team’s need for better balance and commitment: if Madrid want results, they must improve both shapes and effort, with a united effort from coach, players, and supporters alike.
If you’re hunting smarter football bets, GOAL Tips on Telegram offers previews, data-driven predictions, and insights to help navigate big-match decisions.
Would you side with Alonso betting on Mbappe’s fitness for a game that could define his Madrid tenure, or would you prefer a cautious plan that leans more on Endrick’s emergence and a deeper squad approach? Share your thoughts below and tell us which approach you think gives Madrid the best chance to steady the season against City.
.jpg)
