Real Madrid head into the Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona on Sunday (January 11th) with Xabi Alonso set to make huge decisions over his team. The Spaniard could hand Kylian Mbappe a start after the French forward made a surprise recovery from a knee sprain.
Mbappe is flying to Saudi Arabia to train with Alonso's team ahead of the final and could even start. But his return coincides with other possible absentees following Madrid's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.
Rodrygo, Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio all picked up issues in the Madrid derby. There has been an update on their status heading into El Clasico.
Real Madrid trio injury update
Rudiger played through the pain barrier in the semi-final after getting the go-ahead to play despite a knee problem. The German didn't last the full 90 minutes and it seems he is now doubtful to make the final.
El Mundo's Abraham Romero reports that Rudiger's knee discomfort means he's a doubt to face Barca. It's a blow for Alonso who might have to turn to Dean Huijsen or move Alvaro Carreras into the left side of central defense.
But what's worse is that Rodrygo is also a doubt after sustaining a hamstring problem on Thursday night. The Brazilian scored what turned out to be the winner but came off in the 87th minute and was spotted with a brace after the game.
That said, Alonso will be relieved to learn that one of his most trusted defenders, Raul Asencio, is fit to play El Clasico. It's claimed that the Spanish center-back has no injury and will be ready to face the Catalans.
Rodrygo to undergo tests as Mbappe arrives
Mbappe returning in time for the final was the best news possible after a Madrid derby win. But once news broke of Rodrygo potentially being ruled out, it dampened the mood.
Rodrygo has bounced back from a difficult start to the season and Alonso's reign. His tidy finish ultimately means Los Blancos are in the Supercopa final.
According to Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE, Rodrygo will have more tests on Saturday to determine whether he can play against Barca. It could be a last-minute decision much like Rudiger playing against Atleti as initially it looked as though the German wouldn't be able to feature.
Rodrygo played in a front three alongside Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia in the semi-final. If he's fit he could line up with Mbappe if Alonso decides he's ready to start and thus Gonzalo drops to the bench.