Xabi Alonso would have hoped that Real Madrid would have a successful start to the new year after a rather difficult 2025, especially as titles would now be more clearly at stake.
However, 2026 has gotten off to the worst start conceivable as the team have suffered yet another devastating injury, this time to Kylian Mbappe, who has been the team’s finest player thus far.
Alonso will be without the team’s lone bright spot from last season due to the Frenchman’s knee injury, which is expected to keep him out for three weeks.
With the Spanish Super Cup approaching and Alonso’s job still in jeopardy, Mbappe’s absence comes at the worst possible moment for Real Madrid.
The Manager’s Astonishment
Alonso will undoubtedly be upset that the star goal scorer is injured at such a critical juncture, and Defensa Central reveals his initial response upon learning of Mbappe’s injury.
See Also: Reason Mbeumo Was Subbed Off At Half-Time As Cameroon Make AFCON Progress
“I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” Alonso reportedly said in disbelief at the development.
Mbappe is currently expected to miss both the Supercopa and Real Madrid’s opening match of 2026.
Nonetheless, he is making a strong effort to return for the Saudi Arabian tournament, and there is an unlikely chance that he may do so in time.
For his part, Alonso will need to find answers to a predicament made more difficult by Endrick’s recent departure. Gonzalo Garcia is a promising prospect, but it has to be seen what Alonso has in mind.
Mbappe has led the attack and scored more than half of Real Madrid’s goals in all competitions thus far this season.
COMMENTS