Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has hinted that Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes will be the mainstays of his squad while Kylian Mbappe is out due to injury.
"Rodrygo can play anywhere up front, right, left, or central. There are several options to replace Kylian, and he's one of them," Alonso said, as quoted on Real Madrid's website on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Vinicius is said to be fit and happy after his year-end holiday.
"The holidays were good for all of us. Starting again with new energy after the intense stress of December," said Kate Alonso.
Mbappe was sidelined with a knee injury, and Madrid confirmed the news in early January 2026.
Although no details were given on how long the French footballer would be out for, European media outlets reported that Mbappe would likely be out for around three weeks.
