Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will miss the team’s upcoming Club World Cup match against Pachuca in Charlotte due to gastroenteritis. However, there is optimism that the French forward could return for the final group game, as coach Xabi Alonso confirmed on Saturday.
Mbappe was hospitalized on Thursday for tests and treatment before being discharged. Although he is gradually recovering, he did not travel with the squad for Sunday’s fixture against the Mexican side. Alonso provided an update on Mbappe’s condition during a pre-match press conference, expressing hope that the striker will be available for the final Group H match against Salzburg in Philadelphia on Thursday.
In Mbappe’s absence, 21-year-old Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia started and scored against Al-Hilal in the team’s opening game, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Alonso commended Gonzalo’s performance and hinted that he would likely start again against Pachuca.
Despite missing the early games of the season due to illness, Mbappe had a stellar first season at Real Madrid, winning the European Golden Shoe with 31 La Liga goals and 43 in all competitions. However, his individual success did not translate into team trophies as Los Blancos ended the season empty-handed.
As the team prepares for upcoming matches, including the Club World Cup and domestic competitions, the focus will be on Mbappe’s recovery and his potential impact on the squad’s performance. Stay tuned for more updates on Real Madrid’s star striker and their quest for silverware in the coming season.
