Xabi Alonso has been handed a major boost ahead of a crucial game against Manchester City after Kylian Mbappe was declared in the matchday squad.
Former midfielder Alonso heads into the Champions League contest under intense pressure.
Outlets in Spain claim Alonso could even be sacked if they face defeat at the Bernabeu, despite his side being on course for a top eight finish.
Real Madrid’s prospects of defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City appeared even more difficult after Mbappe raised fitness doubts by missing training.
Kylian Mbappe named in Real Madrid squad
Real Madrid confirmed that in-form Mbappe is set to feature on Wednesday night, but Eduardo Camavinga misses out.
Mbappe picked up an injury in the 2-0 defeat against Celta Vigo at the weekend and was reportedly suffering from muscular discomfort in his left leg.
It’s unclear whether the Frenchman will be fit enough to start or may look to make an impact from the substitute bench.
Mbappe is one of Europe’s most in-form strikers this season, cementing his world-class reputation with 26 goals across 24 games in all competitions.
He has also been on fire in Europe as he sits top of the goalscoring charts with nine goals in just five appearances.
Real Madrid, who are 9/1 to win the Champions League, head into the game sixth, and a victory would put them within touching distance of securing an automatic spot in the knockout stages.
More crucially for Alonso, his future could be on the line should his side taste defeat.
🚨 SQUAD LIST vs MAN CITY.
✅ Kylian Mbappé pic.twitter.com/dy3YNLCg8W
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 10, 2025
Xabi Alonso facing sack if Real Madrid lose
Expectations are sky-high at Real Madrid, and the hierarchy reportedly held a meeting to discuss the Spaniard’s immediate future in the aftermath of the Celta Vigo defeat.
They’ve won just one of their last five league matches, having relinquished top spot in LaLiga.
Former boss Zinedine Zidane is one of the names being touted to take over for a third time, while Jurgen Klopp is another name in the frame.
The Alonso narrative is also intriguing, given the ongoing situation at Liverpool.
Pressure on manager Arne Slot was relieved on Tuesday with an impressive 1-0 victory over Inter Milan, but the uncertainty of Mo Salah’s interview will continue hanging over his head.
Slot remains the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose their job.
Alonso has made it no secret of his ambition to manage former club Liverpool one day and said this week: “For sure, there’s a bond with English clubs and my former club. But at the moment, this is my place, this is where I want to be.
“In the future, you never know what will happen.”
