Sat Jan 03 17:14:50 UTC 2026: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Mbappe Ruled Out of Real Betis Clash, Aiming for Super Cup Return

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid will be without star forward Kylian Mbappe for Sunday’s La Liga match against Real Betis due to a left knee sprain. However, manager Xabi Alonso has indicated that the club is working to accelerate the 27-year-old’s recovery, with the hope of having him available for the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atletico Madrid next week.

“We’ll definitely miss Kylian,” Alonso told reporters Saturday, acknowledging the importance of the French captain, who recently equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid.

While the initial expectation for such an injury was a three-week absence, Alonso suggested they are pushing the boundaries of the recovery timeline. “We’re going to be pushing the deadlines; it’s very much a matter of feelings. When is as soon as possible? That’s the question. I don’t know. The Super Cup? We hope.”

Real Madrid are looking to rebound after a dip in form, including a recent loss to Celta Vigo, which has allowed Barcelona to take a four-point lead in the title race. Adding to their concerns, Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. is currently experiencing a goal drought, having not scored since October. Alonso dismissed concerns about Vinicius’s morale, however, saying, “Vini looks fine to me, cheerful and smiling. The break has been good for all of us to recharge our batteries.”

The team hopes to reignite their form and secure a crucial victory against Real Betis before potentially heading into the Super Cup with Mbappe’s return in sight.

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