What seemed like a minor setback has turned into a real headache for Real Madrid. A severe gastroenteritis has sidelined Kylian Mbappé, preventing him from making his debut at the Club World Cup. The situation was so serious that the Frenchman had to be hospitalized in Florida for treatment, while Xabi Alonso’s team watched as their biggest star was ruled out at a crucial moment.

A low-profile move that backfired

The Merengues tried to handle Kiki’s return quietly. Instead of a big press release, they posted a video on social media showing the forward doing some gym work and calisthenics. The goal was to project calm, but the plan didn’t go as expected.

Far from easing concerns, the footage went viral — and all it did was fuel even more doubt about the Frenchman’s true condition. Fans and media pored over every detail of the clip, searching for clues as to whether the Donatello we know is truly ready to return.

Concerns over his physical state

What stood out most in the footage was Mbappé’s physical appearance. He looked visibly diminished, with arms and legs that no longer resemble those of a top-level footballer. The lack of muscle tone is clear and worrying, because the explosive, lethal Kiki we’re used to seeing seems far from his best.

This leaves a huge question mark ahead of the match against RB Salzburg, where Madrid will be fighting for a spot in the next round. Will Mbappé be fit enough to play? Or would putting him on the field in this condition be too much of a risk?

A missing piece Madrid can’t replace

The absence of Donatello is felt in Xabi Alonso’s team. While Gonzalo García has stepped up to fill the gap, the truth is that the Frenchman is the kind of player who can change any game. His mere presence is a constant threat to opponents and a weapon that Madrid misses dearly.

For now, there’s no certainty about when Mbappé will be back in the famous white shirt. The only thing that’s clear is that the Merengues need him now more than ever in this crucial stretch of the tournament.