Xabi Alonso uncertain over Mbappe injury timeline at Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confessed on Saturday that he remains unclear on the recovery period for star forward Kylian Mbappe following his recent injury.

The French player suffered a knee injury diagnosed on Wednesday, which is anticipated to sideline him for a minimum of three weeks.

"We will aim to accelerate his return, much relies on his personal sensations, yet we intend to have him available at the earliest opportunity," Alonso stated during a press briefing.

"The precise timing for that swift recovery remains unclear. I cannot say for certain."

Alonso expressed optimism that Mbappe could feature in the Spanish Super Cup, where Real Madrid will confront Atletico Madrid in the semi-final scheduled for January 8.

Aged 27, Mbappe leads Madrid's scoring charts with 29 goals in 24 outings across various competitions this season.

The team will lack the forward's services in Sunday's La Liga encounter with Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Currently, Madrid sit four points adrift of table-toppers Barcelona, who are set to host local opponents Espanyol on Saturday.

Alonso faced significant scrutiny throughout December owing to the squad's erratic performances, leaving his position precarious in the coming period.

A positive development has been the resurgence of Brazilian attacker Rodrygo Goes in late 2025, and Alonso urges him to sustain that momentum.

"He delivered several impressive performances towards the year's close... we require his input, just as with all squad members," Alonso remarked.

"In compensating for Kylian's unavailability, various alternatives exist, and Rodrygo represents a key one among them."