Real Madrid's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, has been discharged from the hospital after being admitted for treatment of acute gastroenteritis. The 26-year-old French international's illness was confirmed by the club, leading to his hospitalization for tests and treatment.
Mbappe's health issues surfaced earlier in the week when he missed Real Madrid's opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup against Al Hilal. Initially, the club reported that he was suffering from a fever, but further evaluation revealed the acute gastroenteritis diagnosis. He had also skipped an open training session on Tuesday, with his condition worsening leading up to the game.
Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the stomach flu, involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The condition is often caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, and can sometimes result from certain medications or heavy metals. A significant concern with gastroenteritis is dehydration, which can necessitate hospitalization for intravenous fluid replacement. The Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms usually last between one and two days, but in some cases, can persist for up to two weeks.
Real Madrid released a statement confirming Mbappe's discharge and his return to the team's training base. The club indicated that he would continue to receive specific medical treatment and would gradually reintegrate into team activities. However, it remains uncertain whether he will be available for their upcoming Group H fixture against CF Pachuca on Sunday.
Mbappe's absence was felt in the match against Al Hilal, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Gonzalo Garcia, a 21-year-old, replaced Mbappe and scored the opening goal, but Al Hilal later equalized. The team's performance underscored Mbappe's importance to Real Madrid, where he scored 31 goals and provided three assists in 34 La Liga appearances last season.
Real Madrid is currently participating in the Club World Cup in the United States, with matches scheduled across the country. Their remaining group stage matches include a game against CF Pachuca in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday and a match against RB Salzburg in Philadelphia on June 26.
The news of Mbappe's illness and hospitalization has generated considerable concern among fans and within the club. New head coach Xabi Alonso had expressed hope that Mbappe would be available for the game against Pachuca, but his recent hospitalization casts doubt on that possibility. The club has emphasized that Mbappe's full recovery is the priority, and his return to play will depend on his progress and medical evaluations.
Despite his absence, there has been speculation on whether PSG is a better team without Mbappe, who transferred to Real Madrid last summer. Some have noted that PSG reached the UEFA Champions League final without Mbappe, despite him being a key player.