Xabi Alonso provides update on whether Kylian Mbappe will play for Real Madrid in Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has hinted that Kylian Mbappe will be ready to face Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final. The Spaniard said they wanted him against Atletico Madrid, but opted not to risk him.

Speaking to the media ahead of the final, Alonso said that Mbappe is training with the first team today, but they have yet to make a decision on him. He hinted that the chances of the Frenchman playing some part are high, saying that the decision is whether to start him or have him on the bench.

“He’s much better. The initial idea was that he was just fit to play against Atletico, so we decided not to rush him, but if we reached the final, depending on how he felt, he would come. When he trains today, we’ll have all the information we need to assess him and see if he’s ready to start or play a little less.”

Alonso added that they are evaluating the risk of pushing the Frenchman to play in the match, but cannot guarantee that the final call will be the right one.

“We have to measure the risk. Know what’s at stake and take responsibility for the decisions. We’re not kamikazes when it comes to making decisions. It’s a controlled risk.”

Apart from Mbappe, Real Madrid are also sweating on the fitness of Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen. Alonso revealed that the trio are training with the first team and said:

“They’re better, we’ll train this afternoon and decide. We’re experiencing more instability in defense. Some players are putting in extra effort. But we’re dealing with it. That extra effort will lessen the discomfort and the energy will be good.”

Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the semifinal when Kylian Mbappé was in Spain. They also defeated Real Betis 5-1 earlier this month, when the Frenchman had to sit out due to a left knee sprain.

Kylian Mbappe scored when Real Madrid beat Barcelona earlier this season

Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham scored for Real Madrid in their win over Barcelona earlier this season. However, Xabi Alonso is not getting carried away and is wants his side to focus on the match as they did against Atletico Madrid, who had defeated them in the league.

“The response is similar to before the Atleti match. The Metropolitano game wasn’t a reference point, but we haven’t forgotten. Now, it’s the same. The context might be different. Tomorrow’s match will have moments for everything. Feeling confident and having the necessary energy will be very important.”

Xabi Alonso is taking charge of Real Madrid in a final for the first time since taking over from Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.