Real Madrid will likely be without their star forward, Kylian Mbappe, for the rest of the Club World Cup group stage.
The Frenchman is recovering from an illness that kept him out of their opening match, and it now looks like his return will have to wait.
Mbappe missed Madrid’s first game of the tournament against Al-Hilal due to a stomach infection. He was later diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis and even spent a short time in a US hospital.
While the club confirmed he has been discharged and is back at their training camp, he has yet to return to full training.
Madrid drew 1–1 in that match, with Gonzalo Garcia stepping in to lead the line and score. But even with Mbappe’s absence, there are bigger headaches for Xabi Alonso.
Madrid need to win their next match to keep their hopes of reaching the next round alive.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
When can Kylian Mbappe return for Real Madrid?
According to reports in Spain (via Cadena SER), the club is not planning to rush Mbappe back. He is “unlikely to feature against Pachuca,” and with just a few days until the final group game against Salzburg, his chances of playing are slim there too.
Coach Alonso said earlier this week that Mbappe was “feeling a little better,” but added that the team would take no chances with his health.
After all, it’s a long season ahead — and Mbappe is not the kind of player you risk in June.
The French star ended his debut season at the Bernabeu with 43 goals in all competitions. While Madrid fell short in Europe and La Liga, Mbappe still left his mark, bagging the Golden Shoe in the process.
For now, fans will have to wait to see him in action again. And unless there’s a quick turnaround, Madrid’s one of the most famous number 7 might be benched for the rest of the Club World Cup.
Real Madrid news and related links
