Kylian Mbappé will play in the Spanish Super Cup final against FC Barcelona. The French international has recovered from the sprained left knee he suffered before the new year, although the Real Madrid coaching staff is still unsure if the '10' is fit to start. In the press conference prior to the Clásico, Xabi Alonso ruled out taking unnecessary risks with his top scorer

"It's a decision we will make with the player, the coaches, and the doctors. We have to measure the risk. The moment we are in and what we are playing for. We are not kamikazes when it comes to making decisions. It's a controlled risk," the Tolosarra began saying.

Furthermore, the Real Madrid coach made it clear that, although Mbappé is much better compared to the semifinal against Atlético, he will decide how many minutes he plays after Saturday's training session. "We will assess it and decide if he will start or play a little less".

'Kiki' played his last match on December 20 in the 2-0 victory against Sevilla, where he scored his 29th goal of the season, his eighteenth in the league. In principle, the player from Bondy could last a maximum of 65-70 minutes if he starts. Logic suggests resting him on the bench for the second half, with Gonzalo García as the starting '9'

Praise for Lamine Yamal and respect for Barça

On the other hand, Xabi Alonso assured that, although Barça arrives as the favorite for the final, anything can happen and the objective is to stay focused on how to win the match. "It will be a match with moments for everything. We have to have the necessary energy".In that regard, he praised the talent of **Lamine Yamal**, in addition to recognizing the importance of **Pedri González** in the Barça setup.

"I'm not going to discover him, at his age and the level he has shown... he's fantastic. He's a different player, but he doesn't dictate the approach," he said about the player from Mataró.Regarding the Canary Islander, he added: "We know him well, just like Barça. There are no secrets. He is an important player, but there are many others... We must play a very complete game." In this regard, he dismissed the possibility of repeating his plan from the October Clásico at the Bernabéu.

"The answer is similar to before the Atleti match. The Metropolitano match wasn't a reference point, but we don't forget. Now, it's the same. The context might be different. We must be convinced and have enough energy."

Defensive Absences and Vinicius's Poor Form

Xabi Alonso also opened up about Real Madrid's defensive problems. With Raúl Asencio nursing an injury and Antonio Rüdiger out for the final, the player from Tolosa might be forced to use Tchouaméni as a center-back, as Dean Huijsen has not yet recovered from his muscle issues.

"We are suffering more instability in defense, which limits our player choices. This stresses players who have to play more, but it's what we've been dealt," commented the Spanish coach. At the same time, he made it clear how he manages Vinicius Jr., who has gone more than three months without scoring and has only provided one assist in the last eight games.

"Vini is emotional. You have to know how to be close to him. His teammates and the coaching staff make him feel that. It's a matter of moments. He will return to a great level and will be decisive. We need him, yes or yes, tomorrow"

Real Madrid's Present and Doubts About the Future

Although Real Madrid arrives at the Super Cup final against Barça with five consecutive victories in all competitions, the poor collective image in the last two months and the defeats against Celta (0-2) and Manchester City (1-2) left Xabi Alonso on the verge of dismissal.

Regarding his future and the impact winning the Clásico would have, the player from Tolosa ruled out a "personal liberation" from winning his first title, although he acknowledges it would be "a great joy," "It's football. Anything can happen. We are preparing to win. We are convinced," assured the Spanish coach.