Real Madrid's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, will miss the team's second match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 due to illness. The French international has been hospitalized in the United States, where the tournament is being held, with acute gastroenteritis.

Mbappe's illness initially surfaced prior to Real Madrid's opening match against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. He was absent from Tuesday's training session in Palm Beach Gardens due to a fever, which was later diagnosed as gastroenteritis. Consequently, he was ruled out of the Wednesday's game against Al-Hilal, which ended in a surprising 1-1 draw. Young striker Gonzalo Garcia took his place in the squad and scored the opening goal. However, Al-Hilal equalized through a Ruben Neves penalty, and Federico Valverde missed a late penalty, costing Real Madrid the win.

Real Madrid issued a statement confirming Mbappe's hospitalization and treatment. On Thursday, they released a second update, stating that Mbappe had been discharged from the hospital after responding well to treatment. The club added that Mbappe would continue with specific medical treatment and progressively rejoin team activities. Despite being discharged, it remains uncertain when Mbappe will be fit enough to return to the pitch.

With Real Madrid scheduled to face Mexican side Pachuca on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina, it is highly unlikely that Mbappe will feature in that match. Coach Xabi Alonso is expected to take a cautious approach with the star forward, given the physical toll of gastroenteritis and the need for a full recovery. Missing Mbappe is a significant blow for Real Madrid. The forward has had an impressive debut season with Los Blancos, netting a record 43 goals.

Mbappe's absence is also a setback for the Club World Cup tournament itself. FIFA president Gianni Infantino hopes that the revamped, expanded Club World Cup will become one of the elite events in soccer. The absence of one of the game's biggest stars diminishes the competition's appeal, particularly for fans in the United States. The crowd of over 62,000 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami missed the opportunity to see Mbappe in action during the Al-Hilal match.