Under-pressure manager insists depleted squad is “strong enough” amid poor run of results.
In a significant boost for his struggling side, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that star forward Kylian Mbappé is fit and ready to play in Sunday’s pivotal La Liga match against Alavés.
Mbappé’s return comes at a critical time. The team has managed just two wins in its last eight games, a run that includes Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Manchester City and has intensified scrutiny on Alonso’s future as manager.
“We’ve got Kylian back, he’s ready to play, and tomorrow we’ll see and decide [if he starts], that’s good news obviously,” a relieved Alonso told reporters on Saturday.
However, the manager still faces a major selection headache due to a lengthy absentee list. Key players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga are out injured, while Fran García, Álvaro Carreras, and Endrick are suspended. Defender Dean Huijsen is a likely returnee for the must-win fixture in Vitoria.
Addressing the squad shortage, Alonso tried to project confidence. “Evidently, despite the players we’ve got out, we have strong enough players and a strong enough team,” he stated.
With Madrid trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points, Alonso framed the current difficulties as a potential catalyst for growth. “We are having difficulties, but we can grow,” he reflected. “If we can get past these tough times, change the dynamic, maybe in a few weeks we’ll look back and think ‘we went through a lot, but it made us stronger’.”
Sunday’s match now stands as a defining moment for Alonso, who is hoping the return of his talisman can spark a vital turnaround.
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