Mbappé Loses 4kg After Illness and Becomes Doubtful for Real Madrid in Club World Cup
Kylian Mbappé’s long-awaited Club World Cup debut with Real Madrid may be delayed even further. According to Marca, the French star has lost 4 kilograms due to acute gastroenteritis, which required hospitalization shortly after arriving in the United States for the tournament.
Mbappé Hospitalized After Arrival in the U.S.
Upon Real Madrid’s arrival in the U.S., Mbappé fell ill and was hospitalized for several days. The illness, diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis, not only weakened the striker but also prevented him from training with the rest of the squad during the first rounds of the Club World Cup.
Now back with the team, the Real Madrid medical staff is monitoring him closely. Mbappé is on a gradual recovery plan and still lacks the necessary match fitness, putting his availability for the final group stage match in doubt.
Will Mbappé Play vs. RB Salzburg?
Real Madrid face RB Salzburg this Thursday (June 26) at Lincoln Financial Field, in a match that will decide who qualifies for the next phase of the tournament. Although Mbappé is showing signs of recovery, coach Xabi Alonso may choose to rest him to ensure he’s fully fit for the knockout stages.
The 25-year-old has not yet played in this edition of the Club World Cup, but Real Madrid have managed to perform well without him:
- 1-1 Draw vs. Al-Hilal
- 3-1 Win vs. Pachuca
Group H: Everything Still Open
Heading into the final round:
- Real Madrid and RB Salzburg are tied with 4 points
- Al-Hilal, with 2 points, could still qualify if they defeat Pachuca, who are already eliminated
A loss for Madrid combined with a win for Al-Hilal could trigger a three-way tie that would be decided on goal difference.
Mbappé’s Season in Numbers
Despite the health scare, Mbappé’s season has been stellar so far:
- 43 goals in 56 matches for Real Madrid
- Key figure in the club’s ambitions for the Club World Cup title
Real Madrid fans will be anxiously watching Thursday’s match not just for qualification, but also to see if Mbappé returns to action. The French forward remains a doubt for the group stage finale, but could still play a decisive role in the knockout rounds, should Madrid progress.
