Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has not ruled out injecting pain killer Kylian Mbappe ahead of the Spanish Supercup final against Barcelona. The French striker is fighting to return in time from a knee injury before the start of the year.
Mbappe, who has been responsible for more than half of Real Madrid’s goals this season, has been dealing with knee pain since early December, but has been treating it in training. At first it was expected that he would not play in the Supercup, but on Friday he flew out and joined his teammates.
“You’re the best,” Alonso said. “The first impression was that he was ready to play against Atlético, so we decided not to rush him, but when we get to the final, depending on how he feels, he will come. If he trains today, we will have all the information we need to assess him and see if he is ready to start or play a bit.”
He was also asked if Real Madrid would consider Mbappe playing with pain killers.
“We have to weigh the risks. 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.”
Real Madrid’s gameplan for Barcelona
The previous meeting between the two saw Real Madrid come out on top 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Alonso said he will not use the same game plan.
“The answer is the same as before the Atleti game. The Wanda game was not a point of reference, but we have not forgotten. Now, it is the same. The context may be different. Tomorrow’s game will have moments for everything. Feeling confident and having the necessary strength will be very important.”
Real Madrid’s fitness issues
Los Blancos are dealing with a number of injuries again this season, which has seen former team doctor Niko Mihic brought back to the club. There had been talk that former fitness coach Antonio Pintus could return to a big role again, but Alonso noted that the fitness issues were not changing their overall plan.
“We don’t plan for peak points or troughs. We aim to do our best throughout the season. Injuries mean the work is varied, and some players are under a lot of pressure this time. Pintus is part of that; there is a great partnership.”
Alonso’s relationship with the players
One thing that seems to have improved of late at Real Madrid is Alonso’s relationship with the players.
“Projects evolve over time. We’ve only been here for four months. We’re improving in terms of our football, our emotions, and the spirit of the team. We feel connected to the players. These games can have a big impact on the future. The players are committed to the present and what’s to come. There won’t be a decision, but it will be important.”
Los Blancos will enter the Supercup final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and some media reports that Alonso must get a good result to keep his job. Real Madrid are currently four points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
