Kylian Mbappe’s surprising absence in the opening matches of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has left Real Madrid fans stunned as the club continues its new rebuilding phase. With the French star excluded from the squad list, head coach Xabi Alonso faces a crucial decision on who will replace him for Matchday 2 against Pachuca.
After missing the match against Al Hilal, Mbappe was hospitalized due to an acute case of gastroenteritis, according to an official statement from Real Madrid. Speaking at Saturday’s pre-match press conference, Xabi Alonso provided a positive update on his condition.
“He’s better. Two days ago, he was discharged from the hospital after completing the observation period he had to go through. He’s recovering, and we’re optimistic day by day that he’ll be able to be available for the last match against (Red Bull) Salzburg,” Alonso said.
Gonzalo Garcia, the choice to replace Mbappe
According to Marca, Xabi Alonso will once again turn to Gonzalo Garcia to step in for Mbappe. The young Spanish forward started in the first match against Al Hilal, and with Pachuca on the horizon, he is expected to lead the attack again in the center-forward role.
Alonso was also asked about Gonzalo’s contribution and his long-term prospects: “Gonzalo can contribute what he showed the other day. With Kylian unavailable, we went for a traditional center forward. He scored a goal and had three more chances, and it’s very important to have players with that kind of instinct.
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“We have players who aren’t really penalty-area strikers, and we needed someone in that role — Gonzalo did very well. As for the future… we’ll see. Right now, we’re fully focused on the competition, on the Club World Cup, but decisions will be made in due time.”
At 21 years old, Gonzalo Garcia arrived at the Club World Cup as a backup striker from Real Madrid Castilla after scoring 25 goals in 36 matches during the 2024-25 season. So far, Alonso has shown faith in the young striker, who is living the dream of representing Los Blancos on the international stage.
