Mbappe Recovering But Still Doubtful: Real Madrid Sweat on Star’s Fitness Ahead of Crucial Club World Cup Clash
Xabi Alonso offers cautious optimism as Los Blancos prepare for Pachuca showdown
Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign has yet to spark into life — and the absence of their marquee summer signing, Kylian Mbappe, has been a major reason why. The French superstar, who joined the Spanish giants with fanfare just weeks ago, missed Madrid’s opening match against Al-Hilal due to illness, and now faces a race against time to be fit for the next crucial test against Mexican champions Pachuca.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash, head coach Xabi Alonso gave an update that provided a mixture of hope and realism, admitting that while Mbappe’s condition has improved, his return to the pitch is not yet guaranteed.
Illness sidelines Real Madrid’s brightest star
Mbappe was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis shortly after arriving in the United States for the Club World Cup and had to be hospitalised due to the severity of the virus. The timing couldn’t have been worse — Madrid’s new No. 9 had just completed a brilliant end to the domestic season and looked primed to lead Los Blancos to a potential world title.
The 25-year-old had also impressed for France in the UEFA Nations League, and expectations were sky-high that he would light up the tournament. Instead, Madrid were forced to face Al-Hilal without their talisman, and it showed. A laboured 1-1 draw against the Saudi side has left Alonso’s men needing a result against Pachuca to avoid a potential early exit.
Xabi Alonso’s update: “He’s recovering”
Alonso, who took the reins at Madrid this summer in a high-profile coaching appointment, was careful not to overpromise but did offer some encouragement. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, the Spaniard said:
“He’s better. It’s been two days since he came back from hospital. He’s recovering, and day by day we’re increasingly optimistic about him for the next match.”
The “next match” in question is Friday’s group finale against Red Bull Salzburg — a fixture that could determine whether Madrid stay in the competition. But first, they must navigate Sunday’s must-win encounter with a confident Pachuca side, who thrashed Auckland City 5-0 in their opener and will fancy their chances of springing an upset.
No Mbappe, no party? Madrid struggle without their French talisman
Madrid’s underwhelming start has only highlighted the impact Mbappe has already made on the squad — without even stepping on the pitch. The team looked flat against Al-Hilal, missing the flair and explosiveness the French forward brings to the final third.
Without his presence, Alonso’s frontline looked disjointed. Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo failed to link up effectively, and Jude Bellingham, usually so influential from midfield, appeared isolated. The attack lacked the spark and clinical touch Mbappe routinely provides.
While Real Madrid possess depth in forward areas, nobody can replicate what Mbappe offers — the frightening pace, intelligent runs, and a striker’s instinct that has seen him score over 300 career goals already. His absence doesn’t just change tactics — it shifts the entire psychological dynamic of the opposition.
What does this mean for Madrid’s Club World Cup hopes?
Madrid are, as ever, among the favourites to win the Club World Cup, but the new tournament format has made the margin for error slimmer than ever. Only the top two from each group progress to the knockouts, and with just one point on the board, defeat against Pachuca would leave Madrid relying on other results going into the final round.
There is little room for patience — especially for a club of Madrid’s stature, one that has made winning an identity. Alonso is under pressure to deliver early silverware, and the fans will be expecting to see progress by the time Friday’s fixture against Salzburg rolls around.
Mbappe’s availability could therefore be the difference between triumph and disappointment. If he misses the Pachuca game, all eyes will be on whether he’s fit enough to return by the Salzburg clash, and Madrid’s medical staff will be monitoring his condition daily.
Mbappe’s hot form before illness
Up until his sudden illness, Kylian Mbappe had been in red-hot form. He ended the La Liga season with a flurry of goals for Paris Saint-Germain before his high-profile switch to Madrid, and continued to impress during France’s Nations League campaign. It’s no surprise that fans were relishing the idea of seeing him dazzle under the bright lights of the Club World Cup.
His performances since the start of 2024 had been nothing short of electric — combining ruthless efficiency in front of goal with improved link-up play and an ever-growing maturity as a leader. Many believed this tournament would mark the beginning of Mbappe’s new chapter at Madrid, one where he cements himself as not just a Galactico, but the Galactico.
Instead, it has been a waiting game. Madrid supporters will now be hoping the pause is only temporary.
What’s next for Mbappe and Real Madrid?
The focus now shifts to Mbappe’s recovery timeline. Should he return to full training in the next few days, a cameo or even a starting spot against Salzburg isn’t out of the question. Alonso will be cautious not to rush him back, especially given the physical toll of gastroenteritis, but with stakes this high, difficult decisions may need to be made.
The medical team is expected to assess him again on Monday, with a clearer idea of his availability for Friday’s clash to follow. In the meantime, Real Madrid will have to dig deep and show that they’re not a one-man team — starting with Sunday’s clash against a high-flying Pachuca side.
Should Los Blancos progress, and Mbappe return to full fitness, there’s every chance he could still have a decisive say in the outcome of this tournament. After all, when Mbappe is on the pitch, anything feels possible.
Final thoughts: Madrid waiting on their king
Madrid’s summer was defined by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe — the long-awaited, blockbuster transfer that signalled a new era for the club. His absence at the Club World Cup has been a blow, but his story in this tournament may yet be unwritten.
The next few days will be crucial. Will he return in time to rescue Madrid’s campaign? Or will illness deny him a chance to lift his first trophy with the club?
Whatever happens, it’s clear that Madrid’s present — and future — is inextricably tied to the fortunes of Kylian Mbappe. And as Alonso himself said, each day brings more optimism.
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