Kylian Mbappe's Club World Cup debut for Real Madrid is in doubt as he battles viral infection, with Xabi Alonso unsure about his fitness.
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Mbappe ruled out of Al-Hilal openerAlonso unsure on recovery for PachucaSquad adjustments allowed during tournament windowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe was left out of Real Madrid's squad for their Club World Cup Group H opener against Al-Hilal due to a "significant viral outbreak." The match marked new head coach Alonso's first official game in charge and ended in a 1-1 draw. In Mbappe's absence, Gonzalo Garcia led the line and scored, with Ruben Neves equalising from the spot for the Saudi side.
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The viral infection has cast doubt over Mbappe's short-term availability. Alonso is unsure whether the French star will be fit in time to face Pachuca in their second group match on June 22. Despite his absence, Madrid remains one of the favourites to win the tournament, having qualified as Champions League winners in both 2022 and 2024.
WHAT ALONSO SAID
"We still don’t know if he’ll be ready for the next match. He’s been dealing with a serious viral infection. We’ll monitor his progress closely in the coming days," Madrid boss Alonso told reporters after the 1-1 draw.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Los Blancos will next face Pachuca on Sunday, June 22, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, while the French starlet’s availability remains uncertain. Each team in the tournament can make up to six squad changes between June 27 and July 3, allowing Madrid flexibility should Mbappe's recovery extend further. They conclude the group stage against Red Bull Salzburg on June 27, with a knockout berth all but expected.
