Kylian Mbappe will not feature in Real Madrid’s final group-stage match of the Club World Cup against RB Salzburg as he recuperates from an illness. However, manager Xabi Alonso indicated on Wednesday that he should be fit for the knockout rounds, should the team advance, with a potential match against Manchester City looming.
The French international returned to training earlier on Wednesday following a bout of acute gastroenteritis that sidelined him last week. Nonetheless, Alonso confirmed that the decision to rest Mbappe for Thursday’s encounter was made in the interest of ensuring his complete recovery.
“He was back in boots for the first time today and looked good while doing some running,” Alonso stated to reporters at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. “However, he’s not yet fully recovered.”
“After training, we discussed it, and he feels it’s best to prioritise proper recovery for when we hopefully advance. If we reach the round of 16, he should be ready, but he’s still in the recovery phase and not in perfect shape for tomorrow’s match.”
Mbappe, who received hospital treatment in Miami last week, has already had to miss Real’s 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, as well as their 3-1 win over Pachuca—a match they succeeded in despite being reduced to ten players for a large part of the game.
Currently, the Spaniards top Group H with four points, edging Salzburg on goal difference, while Al-Hilal sits on two points and Pachuca is yet to earn any.
Alonso, who recently took over as Real’s head coach following Carlo Ancelotti’s exit to lead Brazil, outlined two objectives for Thursday’s match.
“Our first goal is to win and secure top spot in the group. The second is to keep improving as a team ahead of the knockout rounds,” he added.
With Manchester City as a possible opponent in the next stage, Alonso insisted that his team wouldn’t focus on the potential match-ups.
“It’s not wise to think about the possible outcomes just yet,” he remarked. “Our only focus is on finishing first and giving our utmost. We’re aiming to win.”
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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