MBAPPE A DOUBT, BUT REAL ARE READY

Frenchman misses training ahead of City tie, but under-fire Alonso remains confident

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Real Madrid's star man Kylian Mbappe did not come out to train with his teammates on Dec 9, the eve of his team's pivotal Champions League clash against Manchester City.

The forward broke a finger during Real's 2-0 home defeat by Celta Vigo in the La Liga on Dec 7. When asked by AFP, Real said his absence from training was because of that injury and also other discomfort he suffered from that match.

If Mbappe is unable to play against City on Dec 10, it would be a big blow for coach Xabi Alonso, as Spanish media reported that a defeat would lead to his dismissal.

The 26-year-old striker has scored 25 goals in 21 matches across all competitions this season and has been Real's key player amid the team's struggles.

After just two victories in seven matches, fractures have emerged in Alonso's Real project. The Spaniard, however, remained defiant.

"This is a team, a club, we are united, and when you're Real Madrid coach, you have to be ready to face these situations calmly, with unity and responsibility," Alonso told reporters on Dec 9.