Madrid needs solutions without Mbappe for Betis
Xabi Alonso has called on Real Madrid to find a way to win without injured star Kylian Mbappe when Real Betis visits on Monday (AEDT) for a LaLiga clash.
Mbappe is reportedly facing up to three weeks on the sidelines with a problematic knee injury, leaving Madrid without its talisman for next week's Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
Alonso's side will first have to deal with Betis, aiming for a fourth straight league win to cut Barcelona's four-point lead at the top-flight summit.
The Madrid boss hopes his team can use its FIFA Club World Cup experience without Mbappe to find a solution once again.
"We have to find the best way to fit the pieces together. Kylian wasn't at the Club World Cup, and we still performed well," Alonso said.
"But we'll certainly miss him because his performance has been impressive, not only because of the goals but also because of his influence.
"Injuries are never welcome, but we have to have a lot of faith in those who will start tomorrow and those who will play on Thursday against Atletico.
"We are a squad; the unity and trust are mutual. Solidity and team spirit are fundamental."
Alonso could not provide a clear update on Mbappe's return, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal also out, but he acknowledged much of the pre-match discussion will surround the striker.
"We'll keep pushing the timeline," Alonso said when pressed on the Frenchman's return. "It's largely about how he feels, and we're going to do everything possible to get him back as soon as possible.
"When will that be? That's the question. I don't know. I'll give you a clearer answer at the next pre-match press conference.
"We assess each match and how the player feels, and then we make decisions based on the needs. We have to see how he progresses, and we're going to do everything we can to get him back as soon as possible."
Betis, meanwhile, ended 2025 with a 4-0 success over Getafe, making it three wins in its past four matches across all competitions.
It has only lost three times in La Liga this season, but seven draws have left it in sixth place in the standings, five points ahead of seventh-placed Celta Vigo and as many adrift from Espanyol in fifth.
