Real Madrid's encounter with Barcelona tomorrow (January 11th) is a huge one for Xabi Alonso as he has the opportunity to win his first major trophy as Los Blancos boss. He oversaw a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-final on Thursday.
Alonso broke the news after the Madrid derby that Kylian Mbappe was fit to play in the final and was travelling to Saudi Arabia. The French forward has been sidelined with a knee sprain but could lead the line in El Clasico.
But there have been other injury concerns heading into the Barca clash including that of Rodrygo. The Brazilian attacker sustained a hamstring problem in the Atleti win and was seen wearing a bandage after the game.
Real Madrid receive best news possible ahead of Barcelona clash
Rodrygo's availability was a concern and he underwent tests to assess whether he could make the final. But fears over his possible absence have been allayed as he is now ready to go to battle with Madrid's rivals.
According to Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE, Rodrygo is ready for the final and has no injury. This is massive for Alonso as the Brazilian has been in fine form lately, scoring the winning goal in the semi-final.
This means Alonso can field his preferred front three of Rodrygo, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Of course there are question marks over Mbappe being able to start but if he has to settle for a place on the bench that will mean Gonzalo Garcia likely continues up top.
Rodrygo can be the difference in El Clasico
Madrid will be counting on Rodrygo to replicate such a performance as the one he put in against Atleti. He not only scored but was a threat with his pace and could be one of the key players in the Supercopa final especially on the counter attack.
Rodrygo's Brazilian compatriot Vinicius has struggled for form, going 18 games without a goal. Mbappe was in red-hot form until his injury but coming back into the team fresh off a spell on the sidelines might mean he takes time to get back to his best.
Alonso will be extremely pleased with the Rodrygo news as it means he doesn't have to make a decision over possibly tinkering with his frontline. If he were to have been unavailable he might have been forced to turn to the out of sorts Arda Guler or change his system.