As Real Madrid prepares for a crucial second outing at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, speculation surrounds the availability of one of their marquee players. Kylian Mbappe, the French superstar and Real Madrid’s leading scorer this season, has become the center of attention—but not for his exploits on the pitch.
Just days before their next group stage match, Kylian Mbappe was rushed to a hospital in the United States, suffering from acute gastroenteritis. The illness kept him from participating in the 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal and cast immediate doubt over his involvement for the rest of the group stage.
Although he was discharged on Thursday, Real Madrid’s technical staff have remained cautious. According to Cadena SER, “Mbappe is ruled out for Sunday’s clash against Pachuca”. The decision was confirmed after medical assessments revealed that the 26-year-old forward had not yet recovered sufficiently and that the high temperatures and humidity in the U.S. could present further health risks.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, facing his first major international tournament at the helm, is determined not to take unnecessary risks with his star signing. Although the possibility of Mbappe featuring in the final group match against RB Salzburg on June 27 is not entirely dismissed, “his presence remains a big question mark,” as reported by Real Madrid Confidencial.
Alonso, speaking after the Al Hilal draw, acknowledged the challenges: “We have to manage the situation smartly. With this kind of weather and such a demanding schedule, every decision must prioritize player safety.”
Strategic dilemma ahead of final group game
In Mbappe’s absence, Gonzalo García stepped up, scoring the opening goal against Al-Hilal. With Endrick also sidelined, García is expected to retain his place in the lineup for the match against Mexican side Pachuca on June 22.
Real Madrid’s final group stage match, against Salzburg in Philadelphia, could decide their fate in the tournament. That game also represents the most realistic opportunity for the Frenchman to return, though much depends on his condition in the coming days.
With extreme heat and high humidity levels continuing to pose challenges, Alonso and the medical staff are expected to remain conservative. “Wehaven’t ruled anything out,” a source told Mundo Deportivo, “but we won’t push Kylian if he’s not fully ready.”
