Mbappe May Play in Spanish Super Cup Final Against Barcelona

Real Madrid Coach Xabi Alonso Considers Controlled Risks for Mbappe's Return

Real Madrid's forward, Kylian Mbappe, has been sidelined since December due to a knee injury. Coach Xabi Alonso stated that he might take a controlled risk regarding the player's fitness ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final scheduled for Sunday against Barcelona, but emphasized that decisions will not be "kamikaze."

The French star missed the victory in the semifinal against Atletico Madrid but flew to Saudi Arabia on Friday to rejoin the team ahead of the Clasico in Jeddah.

Mbappe is recovering from a knee sprain sustained at the end of December, which was expected to take three weeks to heal. When asked if the top scorer, with 29 goals in all competitions this season, could play with pain relief injections, Alonso mentioned that the club would exercise caution.

"It is a decision we must make together between the staff, players, and doctors. We need to measure the risk and understand where we stand and what we are playing for, then make the necessary decisions. But we are not kamikaze in our approach to decision-making. It is a controlled risk," Alonso stated at a press conference.

Alonso explained that Mbappe feels much better after missing last weekend's victory against Real Betis in La Liga and the derby against Atletico. "He feels much better; he would not have been fully prepared to face Atletico, and we decided not to rush his return," said the coach.

"We had in mind that if we reached the final, depending on how he feels, we can make a decision regarding his return. When he trains today, we will have all the information we need to see if he is ready to start or to play a less intensive role."

Winning the Super Cup would mark Alonso's first trophy since taking over the team in June 2025 and would ease the pressure on him. The Spaniard was nearly sacked towards the end of 2025 following a series of poor results, but Madrid has won their last five matches. "Projects need time... we are evolving in football, emotionally, and in team spirit," Alonso added. "We feel connected with the players. Such matches could have a significant impact on the remainder of the season."