An unexpected boost for Xabi Alonso amid the storm

When the situation seemed completely bleak, Xabi Alonso received news that could shift the mood at Real Madrid. In the middle of an inconsistent run, institutional pressure and a match that feels like a final, injuries finally offered some relief. Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen are back and included in the squad for the clash against Alavés.

This is no minor detail. The coach from Tolosa heads into the match with up to nine absences, six due to injury and three through suspension, in a context where the margin for error is almost nonexistent. The return of these players not only strengthens the team on the pitch, but also sends a vital emotional message to a shaken locker room and a fanbase demanding immediate answers.

Mbappé returns at the most delicate moment

The biggest news has a clear name: Kylian Mbappé. The French star, who suffered a heavy blow to his left knee against Celta and is also dealing with a fractured ring finger, returns earlier than expected. He was unable to feature against Manchester City, not even warming up, and his absence set off all the alarms.

His return does not guarantee miracles, but it completely changes the attacking outlook. In a team that has won just one of its last five matches, having Mbappé available represents a constant threat to any opponent. For Xabi Alonso, it is also a lifeline: the attacking responsibility once again falls on a player capable of deciding matches on his own.

Defensive emergency with Rüdiger as the cornerstone

While hope returns up front, the defense remains a puzzle. Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba, Éder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga are all sidelined through injury. On top of that, suspensions have ruled out Álvaro Carreras, Fran García and Endrick, leaving the coach virtually without natural full-backs.

In this context, the return of Antonio Rüdiger is crucial. The German center-back finished the European clash with discomfort, but managed to rejoin the group and makes the squad as an indispensable defensive leader. Alongside him, Dean Huijsen, recovered from a muscular issue after missing five matches, appears as an emergency solution… and perhaps something more.

The academy steps in and an XI full of question marks

The scale of the absences has forced Xabi Alonso to turn to the academy. Joan Martínez, Víctor Valdepeñas, Jorge Cestero and Thiago Pitarch complete a squad shaped by necessity. Special attention falls on Valdepeñas, who can play both left-back and center-back and has a real chance of starting given the total lack of specialists on that flank.

The match against Alavés is far from ordinary. It is a test of character, management and survival. Xabi Alonso is playing for far more than three points: credibility, continuity and control of a locker room under maximum pressure. With key returns but a patched-up squad, Real Madrid step onto the pitch knowing there is no longer any margin for error.