Real Madrid announced on Tuesday the squad for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, which will take place against Atlético Madrid in Jeddah on Thursday (20:00). The big news is the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who was already absent from the match against Real Betis in the previous match due to a knee sprain.Mbappe will not accompany the team and will leave for Saudi Arabia at 3pm to await his evolution in the coming hours.
If Los Blancos wins the duel against Simeone’s team, it will be up to him to qualify for a virtual final, while Xabi Alonso’s side will be aiming for a spot in the final. Kiki will continue her recovery process in Madrid for the time being. The club will, of course, wait for Xabi Alonso’s side to be able to travel to Jeddah if they can face Sunday’s final and Wednesday’s first semi-final against Athletic or Barcelona.
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Gonzalo on stage
Mbappe’s absence will be a boost for Gonzalo ahead of Thursday’s game against Atletico. It makes the most sense for Xavi to wear the same number nine as a youth player, especially considering the Madrid-born player’s exceptional performance against Betis last Sunday. A perfect hat-trick against the Verdiblancos will help Vinicius and Rodrygo maintain a place in the starting lineup on either flank.
Dean Huyssen is also on the list, as is Mbappé, who missed the game against Betis due to muscle discomfort. The central defender has completed two training sessions and will replace Xavi when forming the defense to counter the Rojiblancos’ attack. The team also includes Dani Carvajal, who did not play but was already included in the list for the last match. It is thought that Fede Valverde will continue to start at right-back, although he could potentially play in Saudi Arabia.
Trent, who did not train on Tuesday and missed the tournament, is accompanying the group to Saudi Arabia to continue his recovery (he is not expected to return to the field until February), as well as youth players Fran Gonzalez, David Jimenez and Thiago Pitarch. Militao will basically be out of action until March next year due to injury. Brahimis was also absent as he was due to play against Morocco in the African Cup of Nations.
real madrid team
Goalkeeper: Courtois, Lunin, Fran Gonzalez.
Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Torrent, Asensio, Carreras, Fran Garcia, Rudiger, Mendy, Huysen, David Jimenez.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Choameni, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Thiago.
Forwards: Vinicius, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Mastatuono.
