Kylian Mbappé was back training with the squad on Wednesday, just one day before the crucial match between Real Madrid and Red Bull Salzburg to close out the group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup. The French striker has yet to make his tournament debut due to an acute case of gastroenteritis that kept him out of the first two games.

The session held in Palm Beach (USA) saw Mbappé rejoin full training for the first time after days of individual gym work. His recovery is progressing well, though whether he’ll play in Philadelphia will depend on how he responds in the next few hours.

Coach Xabi Alonso made it clear in his press conference that they’ll wait until the very last moment: “We’ll see how he reacts after a full session. If he feels good, he’ll have a chance,” said the Madrid boss. Youth academy forward Gonzalo García has filled in during the first two matches and has impressed within the team’s attacking setup.

Battle for top spot in Group H

The game between Real Madrid and Salzburg, set to be played Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, will decide who finishes first in Group H. Both teams are tied on four points, but Madrid holds the advantage on goal difference and their earlier head-to-head result.

A win or a draw with goals would secure the top spot for Real Madrid, earning them a better seeding for the round of 16. And if Mbappé does return, it would give the team a major boost as they look to close the group stage on a strong note.