Xabi Alonso looks likely to have Kylian Mbappe available for Real Madrid's Supercopa de Espana final against Barcelona on Sunday (January 11th). The French forward is flying to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to train with the team following last night's 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final.
Mbappe missed that game and last weekend's victory against Real Betis due to a knee sprain. But he has recovered in time for the final which comes as a massive boost for Alonso.
Rodrygo is reportedly a doubt for the game and will be a big miss after scoring the winning goal against Atleti. There's no word on how Alonso intends to set his attack up on Sunday but Hansi Flick's plan for the game has been revealed.
Flick's plan following Mbappe return
Barcelona booked their place in the final with a 5-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao in their semi-final meeting on Wednesday. It was an easy win for Madrid's rivals but they came up against a poor attacking team.
Mbappe troubled the Barca defense earlier this season, scoring the opener in a 2-1 win. But Flick isn't going to change his defensive setup following his side's semi-final win, per SPORT.
The German coach is expected to stick with Eric Garcia and Pau Curbarsi as his central defensive partnership. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will be his full-backs for the final, meaning Mbappe will go up against his fellow countryman.
This was the same back four Flick went with in October's meeting between the two sides. Mbappe's return isn't expected to change his approach for Sunday's game although he'll likely be tasking his defenders to focus on nullifying the Frenchman's threat.
But Barca could be caught out if Mbappe doesn't start the final and Gonzalo Garcia continues to lead the line. They might be expecting to come up against the more adaptable frontman rather than Garcia who is a traditional number nine.
Rodrygo a concern
Mbappe could return to the starting lineup in Rodrygo's place given the Brazilian is a doubt. That will leave Alonso with a decision to make over how to setup his attack although there's no question that Vinicius will be starting against Barca.
Rodrygo has bounced back after a difficult start to Alonso's reign and took his goal well against Atleti. He came off in the 87th minute for Franco Mastantuono and was spotted with a bandage on his knee following the game.