Real Madrid faces matchday 16 of LaLiga with a mixture of relief and concern. The big news for Real Madrid is the return of Kylian Mbappe to the squad, but they arrive with as many as nine players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions for the match against Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorroza.

Mbappe returns, despite physical problems

Mbappe's return is a key boost for Real Madrid. The French striker missed the European fixture against Manchester City after suffering a heavy blow to his left knee against Celta Vigo. He also has a fracture in the ring finger of his left hand, but even so, he has been included in the squad and is expected to be a key player in attack.

Alongside him, another notable addition is Dean Huijsen, recovered from a muscle injury in his left thigh that had kept him out of the last five matches.

Plague of absences in defense

Xabi Alonso's main headache is in the back line. Real Madrid will be without any of their usual full-backs, either due to injury or suspension. Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga are all out with physical problems, while Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia, and Endrick are serving suspensions after their red cards against Celta Vigo. Given this situation, the manager has had to turn to the youth academy, calling up Joan Martinez and Victor Valdepenas 'Valde', in addition to adding midfielders Jorge Cestero and Thiago Pitarch from Castilla. Rudiger, a key signing and Brahim's last appearance in 2025. Another positive piece of news is the presence of Antonio Rudiger, who finished the European match against Manchester City with discomfort, but was able to rejoin the group and will be available. In attack, Brahim Diaz will play his last match of 2025 before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco.

Real Madrid squad against Alaves

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Sergio Mestre.Defenders: Raul Asencio, Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Joan Martinez and Victor Valdepenas.Midfielders: Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Cestero, Arda Guler,Jude Bellingham and Thiago Pitarch. Forwards: Vinicius, Mastantuono, Mbappe, Rodrygo, Gonzalo and Brahim.