Striker Kylian Mbappe from Real Madrid, unfortunately, did not make the trip to Charlotte for the Club World Cup clash against Pachuca. However, coach Xabi Alonso has expressed optimism regarding his availability for the final group stage match.
The French international was admitted to hospital on Thursday due to gastroenteritis but was later discharged after receiving treatment.
According to club sources speaking to AFP, Mbappe is gradually improving. Regardless, he did not travel with his teammates for the match against the Mexican side Pachuca on Sunday.
In his pre-match press conference, Coach Alonso provided an update on Mbappe’s condition.
“He’s on the mend, he’s back from the hospital and is recovering well. We’re hopeful he’ll be prepared to face Salzburg,” Alonso stated.
Real Madrid is set to compete against Salzburg on Thursday in Philadelphia for their final Group H fixture.
The 26-year-old forward missed the opening game, suffering from the same illness, as Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Al-Hilal during Xabi Alonso’s first match in charge.
In Mbappe’s absence, 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia from the B-team stepped in and scored the opening goal for Madrid against their Saudi Arabian rivals.
Alonso suggested that Gonzalo would likely take the field again in place of the French star.
“Gonzalo can replicate what he did last time. He found the net and created three chances. As we move forward, we’ll see how things pan out. Players with that instinct are vital. He performed exceptionally well,” Alonso commented.
In his inaugural season with Real Madrid, Mbappe emerged as the European Golden Shoe winner, netting 31 goals in La Liga and a total of 43 goals across all competitions, yet Los Blancos ended the season without any major silverware.
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