Real Madrid clash with Atletico Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final tonight and Xabi Alonso has a decision to make over his team. The Spaniard will be without Kylian Mbappe who has remained back home to recover from a left knee sprain.
Gonzalo Garcia stepped up in Mbappe's absence and bagged a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Real Betis on the weekend. That was perfect preparation for the Madrid derby and Gonzalo wasn't the only one to impress.
Alonso will be well aware of what's at stake tonight and that's not just a meeting with Barcelona in the final. Reports suggest his job could be on the line and having lost 5-2 to Atleti earlier this season he'll need his defense to be on their game.
Antonio Rudiger doubtful for Atleti clash
Alonso might have to deal without Antonio Rudiger, who continues to struggle with a recurring knee issue. The German defender is reportedly doubtful for the game in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and has been training alone with the coaching team set to make a last-minute decision, per Marca.
If Rudiger is ruled out of the semi-final it means Alonso will likely have to trust in a youthful defensive partnership. It's expected that Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio will be his two starting center-backs but that might be a positive.
Rudiger hasn't enjoyed the best of seasons, making several glaring defensive errors. His fitness is also a problem and risking him tonight could have long-term repercussions.
But it's the 32-year-old's temperament that is a concern in such a high-profile game. We saw him lose his head in the Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona last season, sent off in El Clasico for throwing an object at the referee.
Diego Simeone's Atleti are renowned for their mind games and for being able to wind up the opposition. That's why Alonso could place his faith in Huijsen, who has a point to prove amid a topsy-turvy debut season at the Bernabeu.
Rudiger's long-term future uncertain
Rudiger's contract expires this summer and speculation is growing over a possible departure. Reports suggest Cristiano Ronaldo wants Al-Nassr to bring the Germany international to the Saudi Pro League.
The 32-year-old is free to talk to clubs from abroad and Madrid might be considering entering the market for a replacement. He has been a brilliant servant for the club since arriving in the summer of 2022 from Chelsea.
Rudiger has appeared just eight times across competitions this season which shows just how hampered he has been by injuries. He might be one of several veteran stars to leave in the summer transfer window.