Real Madrid head into their La Liga away fixture against Deportivo Alaves under mounting pressure, and all eyes are firmly fixed on the fitness of Kylian Mbappe. After back-to-back defeats across competitions, Los Blancos are in urgent need of a response, making Mbappe’s availability a pivotal storyline ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Mbappe’s absence against Manchester City explained
The French forward was notably absent from the action during Real Madrid’s midweek UEFA Champions League defeat to Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu. Although Mbappe was named among the substitutes, he did not feature, with head coach Xabi Alonso opting for caution.
Mbappe had experienced discomfort in the buildup to the European fixture, and the club’s medical staff advised against risking him. Alonso ultimately fielded a front three of Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, and Rodrygo, with the latter finding the net in the 2–1 loss.
The decision to sideline Kylian Mbappe was seen as preventative rather than reactive, aimed at avoiding a longer-term setback.
Positive signs ahead of Alaves showdown
Ahead of the Deportivo Alaves encounter, Real Madrid released their official matchday squad, and Mbappe’s name was once again included.
That alone marked a significant step forward, but developments on the training ground have further boosted optimism within the camp.
The French star trained fully with the rest of the squad in the final session before the trip, a strong indicator that he has responded well since missing the Manchester City match.
Reports emerging from Spain suggest that Kylian Mbappe is now in contention to return directly to the starting XI, rather than being eased back gradually.
Why Kylian Mbappe’s return matters for Real Madrid
Mbappe has been Real Madrid’s most reliable attacking outlet this season, leading the scoring charts and consistently providing a cutting edge in the final third.
With the team currently sitting on 36 points, seven behind league leaders Barcelona, there is little margin for error if Los Blancos are to stay in the title conversation.
An away fixture against Alaves presents its own challenges, particularly for a side seeking to halt a dip in form. Mbappe’s pace, movement, and finishing ability could prove decisive, especially against a disciplined defensive setup.
Final fitness verdict points toward availability
While Real Madrid are expected to make a final call closer to kickoff, all indications suggest Kylian Mbappe is fit and ready to feature. His inclusion in the squad and full participation in training underline a positive recovery, giving fans renewed confidence ahead of a must-win league encounter.