Real Madrid Hopeful of Kylian Mbappé Return in Last Group Game

Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign has been anything but smooth, with the Spanish giants missing star striker Kylian Mbappé for two crucial group stage matches due to illness. The team, led by new manager Xabi Alonso, is now pinning its hopes on Mbappé’s return for the final group game against Red Bull Salzburg. Mbappé, who scored a remarkable 43 goals in all competitions last season after joining from Paris Saint-Germain, was hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis and subsequently missed matches against Al-Hilal and Pachuca. With their knockout stage hopes hanging in the balance, Real Madrid are cautiously optimistic that their talismanic forward will be fit to feature in what could be a decisive encounter..

Mbappé’s Recovery Progress and Availability

Kylian Mbappé’s health scare began just before Real Madrid’s opening match of the Club World Cup in the United States. The French forward was admitted to a hospital in Miami last week after developing an acute case of gastroenteritis, forcing him to miss the 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal. Despite being discharged from the hospital within days, Mbappé’s recovery has been gradual. He skipped training sessions and did not travel with the squad to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the match against Pachuca.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso provided regular updates on Mbappé’s condition, stating, “He’s better. Two days ago, he came back from the hospital. He’s recovering, and every day we’re more optimistic about getting him back for the last game against Salzburg”. Club sources echoed this optimism, noting that Mbappé is improving “bit by bit” and is expected to be ready for the group finale.

Impact on Real Madrid’s Campaign

Mbappé’s absence has left a significant void in Real Madrid’s attack. In his stead, young forward Gonzalo García stepped up, scoring Madrid’s only goal in the 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal. However, the team’s overall performance has been below expectations, and their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages now hinge on their final group game against Salzburg.

Real Madrid arrived at the Club World Cup looking to bounce back from a disappointing domestic season, during which they failed to secure any major trophies. The club has undergone a summer of change, with Alonso replacing Carlo Ancelotti as head coach and new signings such as Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Franco Mastantuono (set to join in August) bolstering the squad. Despite these reinforcements, Mbappé’s return would provide a much-needed boost to Madrid’s attacking options.

Looking Ahead: The Salzburg Showdown

As Real Madrid prepares for their decisive group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg, all eyes are on Kylian Mbappé’s fitness. The team is currently second in Group H, behind Salzburg, and needs a strong result to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Alonso has reiterated that the squad is not focusing on summer transfers but is fully concentrated on the competition at hand.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also weighed in on the challenges of playing in the United States, particularly the scheduling of matches during the heat of the day to accommodate European television audiences. “When we play in Europe, at least in the summer, the games are later in the evening. It’s not an excuse; they want to put it on for the European market, but I don’t think it’s optimal for the players and our health. I’d prefer to play in the evening,” Courtois remarked.

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Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup journey has been marked by adversity, but the team remains hopeful that Kylian Mbappé will recover in time for the final group game against Red Bull Salzburg. His return could be the catalyst Madrid needs to turn their campaign around and advance to the knockout stages. With optimism growing within the camp, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting news of Mbappé’s fitness ahead of the crucial clash.