Overview
- Kylian Mbappé was ruled out with a left knee sprain and, though reports suggest roughly a three‑week absence, Xabi Alonso said the club will try to accelerate his return for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid.
- Youth striker Gonzalo García, leading the line in Mbappé’s absence, scored his first LaLiga goals and completed a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s victory over Real Betis.
- Centre-back Dean Huijsen was ruled out of the Betis match with a muscle overload and is doubtful for the Super Cup, with Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio starting in central defense.
- Madrid’s selection issues continued with Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Éder Militão unavailable and Brahim Díaz away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Mbappé remains the team’s primary scorer with 29 goals in 24 appearances this season, underscoring the risk of his absence during a congested run of fixtures.