Key Takeaways:
- Kylian Mbappe became a serious doubt for Real Madrid’s encounter with Manchester City after missing today’s training due to left leg muscle discomfort
- Eduardo Camavinga and Dean Huijsen are also highly unlikely to feature, both sidelined by injury and absent from Tuesday’s training session
- Real Madrid will be without several defenders, with Fede Valverde likely to cover at right-back and Alvaro Carreras set to start at left-back
Squad Concerns Mount for Xabi Alonso
As Real Madrid prepare to meet Manchester City in a critical Champions League tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening (kick-off 21:00 CEST), their injury concerns have intensified. The build-up has seen manager Xabi Alonso subjected to significant pressure, with multiple outlets labelling the match as ‘must-win’. The challenge could be exacerbated by the potential loss of their star player, Kylian Mbappe.
🚨⚠️ Kylian Mbappé didn’t train with Real Madrid squad and he’s a doubt to face Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/xRv52dJEoC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2025
Mbappe Facing Race Against Time to Feature
Mbappe, who had his left hand strapped following a finger injury sustained on Sunday and later diagnosed as a broken finger, was initially expected to play through the issue. However, new problems surfaced when he was absent from Tuesday’s pre-match training due to muscle discomfort in his left leg. According to Marca, the French forward is now considered a ‘serious doubt’ to participate against Manchester City. His status will depend on his condition closer to kick-off, and while his involvement has not been officially ruled out, selection will hinge on a last-minute assessment.
Camavinga and Huijsen Remain Sidelined
Further selection dilemmas await Alonso, with Eduardo Camavinga and Dean Huijsen also nearly certain to miss out. Camavinga sat out the previous match against Celta Vigo due to an ankle sprain, while Huijsen has been absent for the past two weeks with ongoing knee pain. Neither player participated in training on Tuesday, virtually confirming their unavailability.
Defensive Options Limited by Injuries
The list of unavailable players grows longer, joining Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy, all on the sidelines. In response, it is expected that Fede Valverde will be utilised at right-back, with Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio forming the centre-back partnership. Meanwhile, Alvaro Carreras is poised to start ahead of Fran Garcia at left-back.
| Player | Injury | Training Status (Tuesday) | Availability for Man City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappe | Broken finger (left hand), muscle discomfort (left leg) | Did not train | Serious doubt |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Ankle sprain | Did not train | All but ruled out |
| Dean Huijsen | Knee pain | Did not train | All but ruled out |
| Dani Carvajal | Not specified | Not training | Unavailable |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Not specified | Not training | Unavailable |
| David Alaba | Not specified | Not training | Unavailable |
| Eder Militao | Not specified | Not training | Unavailable |
| Ferland Mendy | Not specified | Not training | Unavailable |
Expected Real Madrid Defensive Line-Up
With so many regulars sidelined, Real Madrid’s defence is set for a reshuffle. Fede Valverde is likely to slot in at right-back, Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio are predicted to pair up in central defence, and Alvaro Carreras is in contention to replace Fran Garcia at left-back. The Spanish giants now face an even greater challenge as they seek to overcome Manchester City and progress in the Champions League.
