Kylian Mbappe will be absent from Real Madrid’s final group-stage fixture of the Club World Cup against RB Salzburg as he continues to recuperate from illness. However, manager Xabi Alonso indicated on Wednesday that the French star should be fit to play in the knockout rounds, should the team advance, with a potential clash against Manchester City on the horizon.
The forward returned to training earlier today, having been sidelined with acute gastroenteritis last week. Alonso explained that the choice to omit him from Thursday’s match was made in the interest of ensuring a complete recovery for the player.
“It was his first day back in training boots and running lightly, and he performed well,” Alonso shared with reporters at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. “However, he isn’t fully fit just yet.”
“We discussed it after training, and he prefers to take the time to rest and heal properly, ready for when we proceed. If we make it to the round of 16, he will be available, but he’s still in recovery and not quite ready for tomorrow’s match.”
Mbappe has already missed Real’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal and their 3-1 win over Pachuca, a result achieved even with the team down to 10 men for much of the match.
The team currently tops Group H with four points, leading Salzburg on goal difference, while Al-Hilal has two points and Pachuca has yet to claim any.
Alonso, who has recently stepped into the role following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to Brazil, mentioned that the team has two primary goals for Thursday’s encounter.
“Firstly, we aim to win and secure top spot in the group. Secondly, we want to keep enhancing our performance as a team in preparation for the knockout rounds,” he noted.
Although a potential showdown with Manchester City looms in the last 16, Alonso insisted that his focus remains solely on the upcoming match.
“It’s unwise to start calculating scenarios for tomorrow,” he said. “The priority is to finish first and give it our all. We’re aiming to win.”
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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