Real Madrid's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, is set to miss another match in the FIFA Club World Cup due to his recent illness, according to Real Madrid's manager, Xabi Alonso. The news comes as a setback for the Spanish giants, who are aiming to win the competition in its new format.
Mbappe was hospitalized earlier in the week with acute gastroenteritis, forcing him to sit out Real Madrid's opening match against Al-Hilal, which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw. While he has since been discharged from the hospital and has returned to the team's training base in Palm Beach, he is still not fully recovered.
"He's feeling a bit better. He's back at the hotel after being released from the hospital," Alonso told reporters. "But I think Sunday will be tough for him. Hopefully, we can have him back for the Salzburg match." Real Madrid is scheduled to face Pachuca on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in their second Group H match at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Their final group stage match is against Red Bull Salzburg on June 26 in Philadelphia.
Alonso's statement indicates that the coaching staff is optimistic about Mbappe's potential return for the final group stage game against Salzburg. However, they are taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully fit before he is reintegrated into the lineup. It would be a surprise if Mbappe was rushed back into action.
In Mbappe's absence, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to lead the attack once again. The Real Madrid B-team player started in Mbappe's place against Al-Hilal and scored the team's only goal. Alonso expressed confidence in Garcia's ability to step up, saying, "Gonzalo can do what he did the other day. He scored a goal and had three chances... Having players with that sense of smell is very important. He did very well." The 21-year-old Garcia, who had a strong season scoring 26 goals across all competitions last year, will be looking to make the most of his opportunity.
Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign has had a mixed start. The 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal ended their impressive 11-game winning streak in the competition. The team will be eager to secure a victory against Pachuca to solidify their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. They are currently second in Group H, trailing Salzburg, who defeated Pachuca in their opening match.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 features a new format with 32 teams. Real Madrid qualified for the tournament by virtue of their 2022 and 2024 UEFA Champions League victories. Their participation in the tournament also marks the beginning of a new era under manager Xabi Alonso, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti.
The team has already seen some changes with the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, Alonso has to deal with several injuries and absences in the squad. David Alaba, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal are all sidelined. Antonio Rudiger has returned to training after recovering from a knee injury, and might be available. Jude Bellingham, another key player, will undergo shoulder surgery after the tournament but remains available for selection for now.
The predicted Real Madrid XI against Pachuca includes Courtois in goal, Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen and Garcia in defense, Valverde, Tchouameni and Bellingham in midfield, and Rodrygo, Garcia and Vinicius Junior in attack.
With or without Mbappe, Real Madrid will be aiming to get their first win against Pachuca on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
