The injury blows just keep coming for Real Madrid this season, with the latest being the worst case scenario. Kylian Mbappe has been sidelined with a lingering knee issue he has been trying to play through but the pain has finally gotten to a point he can't play through anymore, and he is expected to be out for a number of weeks.
This injury comes at the worst possible time. Mbappe has been the main man in attack all season scoring almost 60% of Real Madrid's goals and the team will now be without him leaving many to question how will Xabi Alonso be able to find the goals while he's sidelined.
As being reported by Marca (via theMadridZone on X) Xabi Alonso has three options as to how he can cope with Kylian Mbappe's absence in the attack. These are the three choices at Xabi Alonso's disposal.
Xabi Alonso has three different options to cope with Kylian Mbappe's absence
All of these choices have their pros and cons, so let's discuss those and see which would be the best option in the end.
Option 1: Start Rodrygo at 9, play Fede Valverde on the wing
The first option on the table is probably the most bold and honestly the least likely to happen for a number of reasons. Firstly we all know Rodrygo is not a 9 and would most likely struggle to adapt to the position which would be a liablilty to the team. And secondly Valverde is needed for cover at right-back while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are recovering from injuries so using him on the right-wing would also be a liability given the status of the backline.
Option 2: Start Gonzalo Garcia at 9, use the Club World Cup system
Option two is in my opinion the best option and the one Xabi Alonso should use during Mbappe's absence. We saw what this system and formation can bring to the table and now could be the perfect time for Xabi Alonso to bring it back. A front three of Vinicius Jr, Gonzalo Garcia, and Rodrygo with Bellingham behind them was incredibly successful and on top of that fun to watch this summer, and most importantly it worked and scored goals, which is exactly what Real Madrid needs to do while Mbappe is sidelined.
Option 3: Start a front two of VinÃcius and Rodrygo
And finally option three, old reliable, playing a front two of Vinicius and Rodrygo with Bellingham behind, similar to what we saw during the 2023/24 season, and we all know well that went. While yes the Brazilian duo has been struggling for form this season, unlike in 23/24, getting a consistent stretch of games together could be exactly what they need to get back to their best and help the team during Mbappe's absence.
All in all Xabi Alonso is not short of options for how he can cope with Mbappe's injury but it will be important for the manager to get it right at the first time of asking. Rumors are still swirling surrounding his future and another poor run of form in Mbappe's absence could unfortunately bring his time at the club to an end sooner than it should.
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