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Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe is fit and available for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Alaves, offering a timely boost as the Spanish giants look to arrest a worrying dip in form.
The France captain missed Madrid’s midweek Champions League defeat to Manchester City. This loss has intensified pressure on Alonso after his side managed just two victories in their last eight matches across all competitions.
The run has left the coach facing mounting scrutiny over his future.
Speaking on Saturday, Alonso said Mbappe had returned to full fitness and would be considered for selection.
“Kylian is back and ready to play,” he said. “We’ll decide tomorrow whether he starts, but it’s obviously positive news for us.”
Madrid travel to Vitoria with a heavily depleted squad. Defensive options are stretched, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga all sidelined through injury.
Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras and teenage forward Endrick are suspended, further limiting Alonso’s choices.
Centre-back Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the matchday squad, providing some relief in defence for a fixture that could prove decisive for Alonso’s tenure at the club.
Despite the absences, the Madrid coach insisted his side still has the quality required to compete.
He added that the current struggles could ultimately strengthen the team, with Los Blancos currently sitting four points behind league leaders Barcelona.
“We are going through a difficult moment,” Alonso said. “But if we can overcome this and change the momentum, maybe in a few weeks we’ll look back and say it was a tough period that helped us grow stronger.”
