Official: Real Madrid squad list to face Manchester City; key player included | OneFootball

Real Madrid have released their official squad list for tonight’s high-profile Champions League meeting with Manchester City, and the headline news is the inclusion of Kylian Mbappe. 

Despite dealing with persistent discomfort in his left knee and playing with a broken hand, the French superstar has insisted on making himself available for selection. 

It is said that over the last 48 hours, both Mbappe and the club’s medical staff have pushed tirelessly to give him a chance of participating, going through long physiotherapy sessions, compression treatments and intensive work designed to reduce pain and swelling.

Even so, the strain has not disappeared completely. Mbappe remains far from full fitness, but with such a decisive match on the horizon, he has declared himself ready to make an effort. 

His presence in the squad poses a new dilemma for Xabi Alonso: does he start him from the opening whistle, or keep him on the bench to introduce later depending on the flow of the match?

If Mbappe is not deemed fit enough to start, Alonso will be forced to activate Plan B, and that scenario comes with another major decision for the coaching staff. 

Alonso must choose whether to trust Gonzalo Garcia or turn to the young but explosive Endrick or restore the Rodrygo-Vinicius partnership that has previously carried the team on big European nights.

In addition to solving the attacking puzzle, Madrid have had to reinforce their squad depth due to the extensive injury crisis. 

As a result, Xabi has looked toward La Fabrica, calling up Joan Martinez, Victor Valdepenas and Jorge Cestero. 

Without these additions, Real Madrid would have been left with barely six first-team outfield players on the bench.