Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will miss the team’s upcoming Club World Cup match against Pachuca in Charlotte due to a bout of gastroenteritis, head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed on Saturday.
However, the French star could return in time for the final group stage match against Salzburg.
Mbappe, 26, was hospitalized on Thursday for medical tests and treatment but has since been discharged.
A club source told AFP that the striker is steadily recovering, though he did not travel with the squad for Sunday’s fixture against the Mexican side.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Alonso provided a positive update on Mbappe’s condition.
“He’s doing better. He’s back from the hospital and recovering. We’re optimistic about having him available for the Salzburg match,” said Alonso, referring to Thursday’s final Group H game in Philadelphia.
Mbappe had already missed Real Madrid’s tournament opener — a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal — due to the same illness. That match also marked Xabi Alonso’s debut as head coach.
In Mbappe’s absence, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia of the Madrid B team was handed a start and made an immediate impact, scoring the team’s only goal.
Alonso praised the young forward’s performance and suggested he is likely to start again against Pachuca.
“Gonzalo did very well. He scored a goal and had three clear chances. Having players with that instinct is very important,” Alonso said.
Mbappe concluded his debut season with Real Madrid as the European Golden Shoe winner, netting 31 goals in La Liga and 43 across all competitions.
Despite his individual brilliance, Madrid ended the season without silverware.
