In training today, several key updates were seen across the squad as Xabi Alonso prepares his team for Sunday’s LaLiga fixture against Getafe. The good news for Los Blancos is that Franco Mastantuono has returned to full training, Kylian Mbappé is progressing well from a minor ankle issue, and both Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are closing in on long-awaited comebacks.
Mastantuono Back with the Group
As expected, Franco Mastantuono is back under Xabi Alonso’s command at Valdebebas. The young Argentine forward had raised
some alarm after picking up a muscle injury against Villarreal and later leaving Argentina’s national team training camp early. However, the club confirmed the issue was minor, and he is now fully fit and available for selection against Getafe — pending Xabi’s decision on whether to start him.
Argentina’s medical team had initially diagnosed Mastantuono with a mild strain in his left thigh during their training camp in Miami, ruling him out of the remainder of their tour. After a few days of rest and recovery, the discomfort has subsided completely, allowing him to reintegrate with the Madrid squad.
Mbappé Progressing, Expected to Face Getafe
Kylian Mbappé also continues to recover from a knock to his ankle. Madrid’s medical staff ruled out any structural damage upon his return from international duty, though the Frenchman was held out of the first few training sessions this week as a precaution.
The plan is for Mbappé to gradually return to full training over the coming days, with the expectation that he’ll be ready for Sunday’s clash at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
Carvajal and Trent Closing in on Returns
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both entering the final stages of recovery from their respective muscle injuries — a major boost for Xabi Alonso, who has been forced to improvise at right-back in recent weeks.
Carvajal, who suffered a soleus injury in his right leg during the Madrid derby on September 27, has missed the team’s last two matches. He will sit out the Getafe and Juventus fixtures but could return in time for El Clásico at the Bernabéu on October 26. In addition to the injury, the club captain still needs to serve the second game of his Champions League suspension following his red card against Marseille.
Trent, meanwhile, has been out since September 16 with a hamstring injury sustained in Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille. The Englishman has already missed five matches and is expected to be unavailable for the next three — Getafe, Juventus, and Barcelona — although his recovery is progressing well. His status for El Clásico remains uncertain but will depend on how he responds to increased workloads over the next week.
During their absences, Xabi Alonso has rotated between Marco Asencio and Fede Valverde at right-back. Asencio started in that position against Kairat, while Valverde filled in versus Villarreal. Both are likely to remain the stopgap solutions until one of the natural full-backs returns.
Mendy Returns After 170 Days Out
Elsewhere, Ferland Mendy has finally rejoined group training, 170 days after suffering a muscle injury in the Copa del Rey Final against Barcelona. The French defender is now working to regain match fitness after nearly six months on the sidelines.
While Mendy is not expected to play a central role this season, his return provides added depth. Xabi Alonso may consider using him as a left-sided center-back in a three-at-the-back setup if needed. For now, Álvaro Carreras and Fran García remain ahead of him in the pecking order at left-back.
