Alonso Confirms Mbappe’s Knee Injury

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe has suffered a knee injury, and he is unsure of the duration of his absence.

The French striker was diagnosed with a knee strain on Wednesday, expected to keep him out for at least three weeks.

The Spanish manager said the medical team will try to get him back in action as soon as possible.

Alonso said: “We’ll try to make it happen quickly, it depends a lot on how he feels, but we’ll try to get him back as quickly as possible.

“When is as soon as possible? That’s the question. I don’t know.

“We have to find the best way to fit the pieces together. Kylian wasn’t at the Club World Cup and he performed well, but will certainly be missed because his performance has been impressive, not only for his goals but also for the influence he has.

“Injuries are never welcome, but we have to have a lot of confidence in those who will start tomorrow and those who will play on Thursday against Atlético. We’re a squad, the union and trust is mutual. Solidity and team spirit is essential.”

Mbappe is Madrid’s top goalscorer with 29 goals this season across all competitions in 24 appearances.

Alonso also praised Rodrygo’s impressive form while confirming the return of Captain Dani Carvajal.

He said: “He played some very good games at the end of the year… we need him, like everyone else.

“To make up for Kylian’s absence we have different options, and Rodrygo is one of them.

“He did the full training session today and he did so yesterday. We’ll decide on the squad tomorrow morning because there are things that we prefer to wait until there are certainties. In every team you need players who carry weight not only because of what they have experienced but also because of what they bring on and off the pitch or because of what they know how to deal with in difficult moments.”

Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by four points, with the Catalans visiting city rivals Espanyol on Saturday.