Injury Storm Clouds Real Madrid's Road to a Must-Win with Alavés
12 December 2025
Injury-plagued Madrid brace for Alavés clash
A Spanish press summary outlines how Real Madrid’s injury-hit squad is shaping up for the upcoming match against Deportivo Alavés, in La Liga round 16.
According to the AS newspaper, the Royal team, led by coach Xabi Alonso, held a morning training session today at the club’s Valdebebas complex.
The report notes that Madrid continues to struggle with a string of injuries and suspensions ahead of Sunday’s game against Alavés, with the most positive development being the return of defender Din Hoisen to training.
Nevertheless, Madrid will again be without German defender Antonio Rüdiger, and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga could miss as well.
Meanwhile, midfield talisman Federico Valverde is dealing with a muscle strain, and the Uruguayan could still gamble to feature in the next match.
Meanwhile, star striker Kylian Mbappé remains in serious doubt regarding his involvement after failing to train with the group and instead focusing on gym work due to knee pain.
The AS report states Mbappé’s participation against Alavés remains uncertain, with his potential absence described as a real hurdle for Madrid; the club have won only two of seven league games in which the French forward did not score, compared with 13 wins from 15 games when he found the net.
AS also notes that Madrid currently battle injuries and suspensions that keep 11 players unavailable for the match, with Arnold, Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Rüdiger, Mendy, Camavinga, Mbappé among the injured, in addition to suspended Endrick, Fran García, and Carreras.
Humor break: If injuries were a bingo card, Madrid would have a full house. And if you think that’s bad, the referee might still shout “Bingo—play on” just to keep the drama going. Punchline two: Madrid’s goal celebrations are starting to feel like a rescue mission—lots of kit, plenty of prayers, and a midfield that doubles as a revolving door.”
What this means for the lineup and Mbappé
The situation forces Real Madrid to rotate and leverage fringe options, with the defense possibly shuffling to cover missing regulars and the attack relying on what remains fit and in form, including a pending Mbappé decision.
With a long list of absences, the match becomes a test of depth for Alonso, who must balance risk and reward as he plans for a tough home fixture against a determined Alavés side.
