Kylian Mbappe To Miss Another Club World Cup Match For Real Madrid, Says Xabi Alonso | Football News

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe did not travel to Charlotte for the Club World Cup match against Pachuca but may return for the final group stage game, coach Xabi Alonso announced on Saturday.

The French superstar was hospitalized on Thursday for tests and treatment after suffering from gastroenteritis and was later released.

Mbappe is improving “bit by bit,” a club source informed AFP, but he did not accompany his teammates for Sunday’s match against Mexican side Pachuca.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso discussed the striker’s condition during his pre-match press conference.

“He’s doing better, he’s back from the hospital and is recovering. We’re optimistic about having him against Salzburg,” Alonso said.

Madrid will face Salzburg in the final game of Group H on Thursday in Philadelphia.

The 26-year-old missed the opening game due to the same illness, which resulted in Madrid drawing 1-1 with Al-Hilal in Xabi Alonso’s debut as coach.

Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia, 21, started in Mbappe’s place and scored the opening goal against their Saudi Arabian opponents.

Alonso suggested that Gonzalo would again replace the Frenchman.

“Gonzalo can perform like he did the other day. He scored a goal and had three chances. Looking ahead, we’ll see what happens. Having players with that sense of smell is very important. He did very well,” Alonso stated.

Mbappe finished as the European Golden Shoe winner in his first season at Real Madrid with 31 goals in La Liga and 43 across all competitions, but Los Blancos ended the season without a major trophy.

(with agency inputs)