Alonso to 'assess the risk' on Mbappé fitness

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from ESPN or go back to LFC Live.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is set to make a late call on Kylian Mbappé’s involvement in the Spanish Supercopa de España final against Barcelona, stressing that the club will carefully “assess the risk” around the forward’s fitness. Mbappé, recovering from a recent knee issue that kept him out of the semifinal win over Atlético Madrid, has travelled to join the squad and is expected to train with the team on the eve of the final. Alonso explained that medical staff, coaches, and the player will jointly decide whether he is fit to start or should be limited to fewer minutes, underlining that Madrid will not act like “kamikazes” with such a key asset and will only accept what he calls a “controlled risk.”

Alonso confirmed that Mbappé is feeling “much better” and that the decision will hinge on how he responds in training and how his knee reacts to increased load. With Madrid chasing another trophy and Mbappé standing as the team’s top scorer this season, his presence could significantly influence the contest, but Alonso insisted that long‑term fitness and responsibility take precedence over short‑term gain.

The coach also addressed the broader fitness situation within the squad, noting that several defenders and other players are returning from knocks or discomfort, forcing the staff to constantly balance intensity and recovery. He highlighted the collaborative work between the coaching group and the medical department in managing workloads across a packed schedule. For Alonso, the Supercopa final is both a major objective and an emotional occasion, but he reiterated that every decision on Mbappé will be made with timing, context, and the club’s long‑term interests firmly in mind.