Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé will miss Sunday’s LaLiga home clash against Real Betis due to a knee injury, but manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the France captain is aiming to be fit for next week’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

The 27-year-old, who equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real in their 2–0 victory over Sevilla on December 20, is sidelined with a left-knee sprain.

“We’ll definitely miss Kylian,” Alonso told reporters on Saturday. “We have to have a lot of faith in those who are going to play tomorrow.

“Now we wait and see how things develop, and we’ll do everything we can to get him back as soon as possible. We’re pushing the deadlines; it’s very much a matter of feelings. When is ‘as soon as possible’? I don’t know. The Super Cup? We hope.”

Real Madrid had been five points clear at the top of LaLiga before a slump in form in November. The team drew three league matches in succession before suffering a surprise home defeat to Celta Vigo in December, allowing defending champions Barcelona to surge four points ahead in the title race.

The dip in form has also coincided with a goalless spell for forward Vinicius Jr. The 25-year-old Brazilian winger, who scored 22 goals last season, has managed just five goals across all competitions this term and has not scored since October.

When asked about Vinicius following boos from a section of fans during the 2–0 win over Sevilla at the Bernabéu, Alonso remained positive. “Vini looks fine to me — cheerful and smiling. The break has been good for all of us to recharge our batteries.

“Tomorrow, we are the ones who have to give in order to receive, to spread that enthusiasm and rhythm that we need. If that flows both ways, we will enjoy ourselves.”