Striker Kylian Mbappé traveled this Friday (9) to Arábia Saudita and is listed for the final of Supercopa and Espanha. Real Madrid faces Barcelona on Sunday (11), at Jeddah, after beating Atlético from Madrid 2-1 in the semi-final. The Frenchman had been dealing with a sprain in his left knee since the end of 2025 and was left out of the squad’s initial trip, but trained normally in Valdebebas before embarking.
Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed the player’s presence on the related list. Ele highlighted that Mbappé had good feelings after training and continues to have real chances of performing. The decision about minutes on the field or starting position depends on progress leading up to the match, as the player still does not have guaranteed conditions for the full 90 minutes.
The accelerated recovery represents an important reinforcement for the Merengue attack. Mbappé has been missing the team since the end-of-year break and has missed recent games, including the 5-1 victory over Real Betis. Sua possible return encourages the squad for the decisive classic.
🤩 POV: Meeting your heroes@RealMadrid! pic.twitter.com/uJpYuSscZp
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid)January 9, 2026
Return generates expectations in the cast
Real Madrid advanced to the final with goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo Goes. The team showed competitiveness even without the Frenchman in attack. Agora, the presence of Mbappé can change the tactical planning for the duel against Barcelona.
Xabi Alonso avoided details about the lineup. Ele stated that the player has the same possibilities as the others listed. The technical committee monitors the physical condition daily to avoid the risk of worsening the injury.
Doubts in defense and attack
The team faces additional problems on the defensive line. Antonio Rüdiger left the semi-final with pain in his left knee and remains the main doubt for the classic. The German defender forced his participation against Atlético, but left after 69 minutes.
Raúl Asencio also felt muscle discomfort in his right thigh during the intense game. The young defender suffered wear and tear in direct duels and was replaced in the same period as Rüdiger. Ambos receive intensive treatment to try to remain available.
Rodrygo Goes completed the trio of concerns. The striker scored the second goal in the victory, but left at the end after a physical play with Julián Álvarez. Sua developments in the last few hours are positive, although there is still uncertainty about the full condition.
Other confirmed embezzlements include Éder Militão and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Ambos remain in the medical department and do not travel with the group. The defense can count on options like Dean Huijsen, Fran García and Ferland Mendy to rebuild the line.
Preparation for the decisive classic
Real Madrid works to recover injured athletes. The coaching staff seeks to maximize the options available for Sunday’s clash. The game takes place on King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, broadcast via the Disney+ premium plan.
The Supercopa final represents the first title up for grabs in the 2026 calendar. Real Madrid is betting on the group’s unity and the possible contribution of Mbappé to balance the match.
Expectations increase around El Clásico. Coach Xabi Alonso emphasizes the need to maintain focus on defensive organization and taking advantage of offensive opportunities. The squad undergoes specific training in Jeddah to adjust tactical details.
Focus on physical evolution
The Real Madrid medical department closely monitors all players. The priority is to avoid relapses in an intense period of competitions. Mbappé performed tests and controlled activities prior to the trip, demonstrating significant progress.
The Frenchman’s presence in the group boosts the team’s morale. Jogadores like Vinicius Jr., Bellingham and Rodrygo gain support options in the attack. The definition of the lineup takes place in the final hours before the ball rolls.
The classic promises high intensity. Ambas teams are looking for the trophy and momentum for the rest of the season. Real Madrid relies on collective strength to overcome recent adversities.
