Mbappe targets return for Real Madrid's next match
Kylian Mbappe has not played yet at the FIFA Club World Cup because of illness, but despite having not featured in Real Madrid's final group match, he is expected to return for the knockout stages.
Xabi Alonso confirmed Mbappe would miss Madrid’s final group game against Salzburg, a 3-0 win for Los Blancos, but hopes he will be back for the Round of 16 game against Juventus.
Mbappe was briefly taken to the hospital as he suffered from acute gastroenteritis last week and returned to training in midweek.
Alonso opted not to include Mbappe, who netted 43 goals in all competitions in 2024-2025, against Salzburg, as Madrid continued to prioritise his full recovery.
"It [Thursday AEST] was his first day back in boots, his first day running a little, and he did well," Alonso said. "But he's not fully recovered yet.
"We talked about it after training, and he prefers to rest and recover properly for when we go through.
Madrid finished top of Group H after the win over Salzburg, which saw it through to the knockout stages of the newly-formatted tournament as the group's winner.
