Xabi Alonso
December 2025

Xabi Alonso has named Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid’s squad to face Manchester City despite recent leg concerns, gambling on his talisman’s availability as he fights for his job after a poor run that includes only two wins in seven matches across all competitions. Mbappe skipped open training and was reported to have left leg discomfort, yet his 25 goals and heavy share of Madrid’s scoring have made him almost undroppable. With injuries, suspensions and growing pressure after the Celta defeat, Alonso framed the City match as a shared last chance to spark a season that is drifting.