Confirmed: Mbappé isn't the only one and Xabi gets a starter back after the injury

Xabi Alonso hopes to give Real Madrid a different image after the 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. He is aware that he has barely been able to convey his ideas to the team due to a lack of training sessions. However, he also knows that the list of absentees is still too long to be able to do so.

Mbappé has already been discharged from the hospital and it is expected that he will gradually return to training. He will follow a recovery plan, although he will do so with the Salzburg match in mind. The one who could already be available this Sunday against Pachuca is Antonio Rüdiger, who is expected to start.

The German underwent surgery at the end of the league to recover from his knee discomfort. He barely made it to the first match and Xabi opted for Asencio and Huijsen in the starting line-up. However, for the second matchday, it will be Rüdiger who appears in the starting eleven.

This is good news for Xabi Alonso, who sees the infirmary starting to clear out. Camavinga could be next, as he has started to participate in parts of the training session with the group. Recoveries that could allow the Basque to carry out his game plan.

Rüdiger to the starting eleven and Asencio could lose his spot

Asencio and Huijsen formed the central wall against Al Hilal in a bet on the young players in the squad. However, the youth academy player made a very serious mistake, grabbing an opponent from behind inside the box. That resulted in a penalty and the Saudi team's equalizer on the scoreboard.

An action that Xabi Alonso described as "avoidable" in the post-match press conference, showing his anger. In fact, at halftime he took Asencio off the field, putting Tchouaméni at center back. This is a decision that could be confirmed this Sunday against Pachuca.

Huijsen did have a great match, especially considering it was his debut with Real Madrid. Therefore, the Spanish international will keep his spot, but he will have a new partner in defense. It will be Rüdiger who comes in to replace Asencio, forming a partnership that we may see often.