Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is a doubt for their Club World Cup opener against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on Wednesday, after missing training on Tuesday due to illness.
The club confirmed that Mbappé is battling a fever, and newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso—set to make his managerial debut in the match—said a final decision on the Frenchman’s availability would be made on the day of the game.
“Kylian felt a little better this morning, but he wasn’t 100%, so we decided it was best for him to rest and skip training,” Alonso told reporters at a press conference ahead of the match at Hard Rock Stadium. “We’ll monitor his condition and make a last-minute decision.”
Mbappé’s possible absence presents a major selection headache for Alonso, with the 25-year-old currently the squad’s only natural centre forward.
Brazilian teenager Endrick, who might have offered a backup option, did not travel with the team after sustaining a muscle injury in last month’s LaLiga match against Sevilla.
Since his high-profile summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé has been in stellar form for Real Madrid, netting 31 goals in LaLiga this season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mbappé, Alonso emphasized the importance of team cohesion and defensive solidity.
“Pressing together as a unit is vital. Defensive organization is one of our top short-term priorities, and it will be crucial to our long-term success,” he said.
Real Madrid enter the tournament among the favourites, having claimed five Champions League titles in the past decade. Meanwhile, Al Hilal booked their Club World Cup spot by winning the 2021 AFC Champions League and will be eager to exploit any weaknesses in Madrid’s lineup.
Both teams are drawn in Group F, alongside Mexican club Pachuca and Austria’s RB Salzburg.
