Kylian Mbappé back in Real Madrid starting XI to face Alavés | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé is back in Real Madrid’s starting XI at Alavés at 21:00, as head coach Xabi Alonso faces intense pressure after two defeats in the past seven days.

According to L'Équipe, Mbappé sustained a knee issue in the 0-2 loss to Celta Vigo a week ago, but returns from the start for this 16th-round Liga fixture.

It is a pivotal night for the Merengues and especially Alonso, who could be dismissed if Madrid fall to a third straight defeat, after Wednesday’s 1-2 Champions League loss against Manchester City.

Defensive absences remain heavy, with Alexander-Arnold, Mendy, Alaba, Carvajal and Militao among those unavailable. Can Mbappé, Liga’s leading scorer with 16 goals this season, be the saviour?

Real Madrid XI: Courtois - Valverde (cap.), Asencio, Rüdiger, Valdepenas - Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham - Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.

Source: L'Équipe