Positive Update on Kylian Mbappé Ahead of Real Madrid’s Next Club World Cup Match
There’s encouraging news about Kylian Mbappé. Although still recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis, the French striker has been ruled out of Real Madrid’s second Club World Cup game against Pachuca this Sunday in Charlotte. However, his condition is steadily improving. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso confirmed the news during a press conference on Saturday.
"He's doing better. He returned from the hospital two days ago and underwent the necessary tests. He's recovering now, and each day we’re growing more optimistic about his chances to play against Salzburg on Friday," said Alonso, who recently took over as head coach of Real Madrid.
Will Mbappé Be Fit in Time to Face Salzburg on Friday?
Earlier this week, Mbappé was not well enough to play in Real Madrid’s opening match, which ended in a 1–1 draw with Saudi club Al Hilal on Wednesday. On Thursday, the 26-year-old forward was admitted to a hospital for further tests after showing symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. He was discharged a few hours later and rejoined the team at their training base in Palm Beach Gardens, roughly 100 kilometers north of Miami.
By Friday, while still on treatment, Real Madrid’s top scorer of the season (with 43 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions) was able to do some light recovery exercises in the team hotel’s training facilities.
The team’s third group stage match in Group H is scheduled for late Thursday night into Friday in Philadelphia, where they’ll face Salzburg. The big question now is whether Mbappé can recover enough in five days to feature in the match, just as coach Xabi Alonso hopes.