Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid could be without as many as 11 players due to injury and suspension against Alaves
- Dean Huijsen trained normally on Friday and may return to the squad, while Kylian Mbappé’s involvement is uncertain
- Endrick, Fran Garcia, and Alvaro Carreras are suspended after being sent off on Sunday against Celta Vigo
Mounting Injury and Suspension List for Madrid
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso continues to contend with an ever-growing list of absentees, as preparations for the upcoming trip to Alaves at Mendizorrotza have been further disrupted. With the pressure intensifying on Alonso to deliver improvement and positive results for club president Florentino Perez, squad options are severely limited due to a spate of injuries and suspensions.
During last week’s defeat to Manchester City, Real Madrid were without Kylian Mbappé, and his participation this weekend remains in doubt as he recovers from muscle fatigue. Should there be no change in availability, Alonso may be missing up to 11 first-team players for the fixture.
🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid are set to be without 11 players vs. Alaves:
Carvajal, Trent, Militao, Alaba, Rüdiger, Mendy, Carreras, Fran García, Camavinga, Endrick and, most likely, Mbappé. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/hz7C8gMi0G
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 12, 2025
Training Updates: Potential Returns and Ongoing Doubts
There was a glimmer of good news from Valdebebas on Friday, as Dean Huijsen completed a normal training session and is in contention for a place in the squad, according to Diario AS. Kylian Mbappé did not train on Friday but will attempt to prove his fitness in Saturday’s session in the hope of recovering from his muscle issue.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger, who played the full 90 minutes against Manchester City despite existing muscle discomfort, is unlikely to travel to Vitoria-Gasteiz. Fede Valverde, also struggling with similar muscular problems, is expected to be available and may feature. Eduardo Camavinga, however, is anticipated to remain on the sidelines while he recovers from an ankle sprain sustained in Bilbao last week.
Confirmed Absentees Through Suspension and Injury
Three suspensions will further compound Alonso’s selection problems, as Endrick Felipe, Fran Garcia, and Alvaro Carreras are all serving bans after being sent off during Sunday’s clash with Celta Vigo. Additional injury concerns rule out Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao.
| Player | Reason for Absence |
|---|---|
| Endrick Felipe | Suspension (Red card) |
| Fran Garcia | Suspension (Red card) |
| Alvaro Carreras | Suspension (Red card) |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Injury |
| Dani Carvajal | Injury |
| David Alaba | Injury |
| Ferland Mendy | Injury |
| Eder Militao | Injury |
Projected Line-up: Madrid Turn to Unfamiliar Faces
Alonso is likely to rely on makeshift solutions for his starting eleven, with Fede Valverde potentially operating at right-back. Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen could form the central defensive pairing if fitness permits. The identity of the left-back remains uncertain, and Alonso may have to offer opportunities to Castilla players Diego Aguado or Manu Serrano to fill the gap.
