This season has seen Kylian Mbappe score freely for Real Madrid, and with Cricket Exchange woven into the wider football narrative, his influence has remained undeniable despite uneven results and ongoing debate around Xabi Alonso’s tactical adjustments. Whatever the criticism, Mbappe has been the most dependable attacking weapon in the white shirt. That is why his rare setback, a left knee issue requiring roughly three weeks of rest, has come as a heavy blow just as his 2026 campaign ambitions were gathering momentum.

Mbappe began the season with a clear target in mind, determined to shine in both the Champions League and the World Cup while pushing his case for the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid share that pressure, as expectations at the club never dip, and losing the primary source of goals places Alonso firmly under the spotlight. How he reshapes the attack during this absence could define the months ahead.

Interestingly, fate may have opened the door for Gonzalo Garcia, a young forward many now view as a natural-born opportunity taker. Previously a standout in the academy, he struggled to earn minutes with the senior squad. Before the Club World Cup kicked off, injuries to Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and even Endrick unexpectedly cleared his path. Given a starting role, Garcia seized the moment, delivering an eye-catching run that ended with the tournament’s Golden Boot, a storyline few saw coming and one that resonated across platforms like Cricket Exchange.

This time around, Mbappe’s injury initially looked like the long-awaited chance for Endrick. Instead, the Brazilian opted for a loan move to Lyon after growing tired of waiting. With that decision made, Alonso has little choice but to hand the starting role back to the 21-year-old Garcia, whose timing has been nothing short of remarkable.

The challenge ahead, however, is far greater than the Club World Cup proving ground. Garcia now faces the relentless grind of La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League all at once. With the club choosing not to sign an additional striker, the burden falls squarely on his shoulders, and it remains to be seen whether he can carry the torch when it truly matters.

If Garcia can genuinely handle the number nine role, it would not only ease a short-term shortage but also validate Madrid’s development-first strategy and disciplined transfer approach. The club’s finances are healthy, and restraint has been deliberate. A strong showing would also give Alonso more tactical flexibility once Mbappe returns, allowing him to reshuffle the frontline with greater confidence.

Of course, if the youngster struggles, that would hardly be surprising given his age and limited top-level experience, and with Cricket Exchange capturing every twist of the season, the pressure on Alonso could quickly intensify. Without Mbappe, failure to find a reliable scoring outlet may push results downhill, and with fan patience already wearing thin, the manager’s seat could soon feel uncomfortably warm.