Xabi Alonso stated that Kylian Mbappé is ready to play for Real Madrid against Alavés on Sunday, and he expressed that he is not surprised by the mounting speculation regarding his own future with the club.
Alonso’s role as coach has come under further scrutiny following Madrid’s 2-1 home loss in the Champions League to Manchester City on Wednesday, a match Mbappé missed due to a minor injury.
According to ESPN, club executives convened earlier this week to evaluate Alonso’s future amid a disappointing run of just one win in five LaLiga games, which culminated in the Bernabéu crowd expressing their frustration after the defeat to City, particularly with eight first-team players unavailable.
“[Mbappé] is fine to play; we’ve got him back,” Alonso mentioned during a press conference on Sunday.
“We’ll make a decision tomorrow. This is certainly good news.”
Mbappé was subsequently included in the matchday squad for the trip to Alavés, along with center-back Dean Huijsen, one of only three first-team defenders available, alongside Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio.
In addition to several injured players like Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Eduardo Camavinga, Madrid will also be without the suspended Álvaro Carreras and Fran García, both of whom received red cards in last weekend’s home defeat to Elche.
“Despite the absences, we have strengths and a sufficient squad to field eleven players who will give their all,” Alonso affirmed. “The desire and commitment to win are definitely present. This is a crucial match.”
As the weekend began, Madrid found themselves four points behind arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of the standings.
“Having been in football for many years, nothing that occurs surprises me,” Alonso remarked regarding reports of his potential dismissal.
“These occurrences are part of the norm, things that have happened before and will continue to happen.”
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“We must approach these challenges with the responsibility inherent to our positions and what we represent. From that point, it’s about working to turn things around. None of this surprises me excessively.”
Alonso mentioned that he has been in “constant communication” with president Florentino Pérez and other key figures at the club lately, commending reserve team coach and former teammate Álvaro Arbeloa, who has been mentioned as a potential successor.
“I believe Arbeloa has the potential to be Madrid’s coach in the future,” Alonso stated. “He is doing well.”