The start of 2026 has delivered a massive shock to the Santiago Bernabéu faithful following the confirmed Kylian Mbappé injury.
Real Madrid‘s medical staff announced that the French superstar suffered a sprain in his left knee, sidelining him for at least three weeks.
This news comes at a nightmare time for manager Xabi Alonso, who faces a must-win clash against Betis to keep his sporting project alive.
With the top scorer out, the technical staff is working overtime to reinvent the frontline before the flight to Saudi Arabia.
Tactical Shifts Following the Kylian Mbappé Injury
Replacing a player who has scored 29 of the team’s 52 goals is no easy feat, and the Kylian Mbappé injury forces a tactical gamble. Xabi Alonso is currently weighing three distinct options: promoting youth star Gonzalo García to the “9” role, moving Rodrygo Goes into a central position, or deploying Jude Bellingham as a “false 9.” Each setup offers a different dynamic, but reports suggest that Gonzalo García currently has the edge to lead the line. The coaching staff believes his natural finishing ability is the best way to mitigate the loss of their leading marksman.
A Defensive “Signing”: Dani Carvajal Returns
Amid the gloom of the Kylian Mbappé injury, a ray of hope emerged during Friday’s training session at Valdebebas. Dani Carvajal made a surprise return to group training just 97 days after undergoing knee surgery, essentially acting as an “express signing” for the winter stretch. While he will miss the upcoming LaLiga fixture, he is officially fit enough to travel for the Spanish Super Cup. His veteran leadership is exactly what the dressing room needs to navigate this period without their offensive focal point.
Preparing for the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah
The timing of the Kylian Mbappé injury means Real Madrid must adapt quickly to maintain their pursuit of silverware.
The team is scheduled to face Atlético Madrid in the semifinal on January 7, a match where every tactical detail will be scrutinized.
Fans are eager to see if the squad can rally together to prove they are more than just a one-man show.
Even without their fastest attacker, the depth of this “Merengue” roster will be tested like never before under Alonso’s guidance.
Do you think Gonzalo García is ready to carry the scoring burden, or should Xabi Alonso rely on a veteran like Rodrygo as the main striker?
