Xabi Alonso has addressed Kylian Mbappe's injury by explaining how he will look to deal with his absence. The Real Madrid striker is sidelined with a knee sprain and there are contrasting reports over when he'll return to action.
It initially sounded as though Alonso was going to be without Mbappe for around three weeks. This will have meant he misses tomorrow's clash with Real Betis and the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday (January 8th).
There has been much talk over how the Madrid team might without their French talisman. Alonso has seemingly indicated he is ready to place his faith in Rodrygo.
Alonso suggests Rodrygo as momentary Mbappe replacement
Mbappe has led the line with aplomb throughout the season, bagging 18 goals in 18 La Liga games. The problem with his goalscoring prolificy is that Alonso became too reliant and chasing records came as a consequence when there was little rest.
While the Frenchman's availability for the Atleti cup game is uncertain, he is definitely going to be sitting out the Betis clash on Sunday. All eyes will be on how Los Blancos' attack looks without him at the Bernabeu.
Alonso spoke ahead of the game and presented Rodrygo as a solution. He told reporters in his press conference:
“Rodrygo can play anywhere in attack. He’s in a good moment, he played 3/4 great matches.We have different options to replace Mbappe and he’s one of them."
Rodrygo had endured a difficult start to the season and there was speculation over his future after he was left on the bench for most of the FIFA Club World Cup. But the Brazilian has refound form in recent weeks and while he only has one La Liga goal to his name, he has been a livewire.
The 24-year-old's best season in front of goal came under Carlo Ancelotti back in the 2023-24 campaign. He struck 10 goals in 34 top-flight games, 17 in 51 games across competitions.
Most of those goals came when he played centrally in attack and that might be something Alonso is taking under consideration. His versatility could be a massive benefit while Mbappe recovers.
Rodrygo might not agree
There is a good chance of seeing Rodrygo lead the line against Betis but he might not be overly keen on doing so. He admitted that he didn't enjoy the number 9 role handed to him by Ancelotti but was willing to do anything the Italian asked of him.
Rodrygo explained to AS back in November 2023:
"It was difficult for me to play in the new position. I have adapted and now the manager gives me more freedom to go to the wing and those games have been a bit better with more freedom to play. It’s a bit tough for me to play as a striker, but if the manager thinks I can do it then I trust him and I’m going to keep doing it.”
Alonso could opt to go with a front two of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior and have Jude Bellingham operate in a number 10 role. Either way, you can expect to see all three starting tomorrow's game as Madrid look to chase down Barcelona in the title race.
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