Kylian Mbappé will not start for Real Madrid in their Club World Cup quarterfinal matchup against Juventus, though he has been named to the bench and could feature as a substitute. The decision comes as the forward has only just recovered from a severe case of gastroenteritis that sidelined him for the entire group stage.

What’s Mbappé’s Status Heading Into This Match?

The French forward missed Madrid’s first three matches of the tournament due to a serious bout of gastroenteritis, which at one point required hospitalization. After several days of rest and individual rehab work, Mbappé gradually returned to full team training.

In recent sessions held in Palm Beach, he trained normally and without discomfort, receiving medical clearance just ahead of the quarterfinals.

What Did Xabi Alonso Say About the Decision?

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso explained that Mbappé is “feeling much better” but that the team opted for a cautious approach.

“We’ll talk to him the morning of the match, but right now the most sensible thing is to ease him back in,” Alonso said at his pre-match press conference.

He emphasized that while Mbappé is fit to play, they’re avoiding unnecessary risks, considering the importance of the player and the potential later stages of the tournament.

What Is Real Madrid’s Confirmed Starting XI Against Juventus?

The lineup selected by Xabi Alonso for the quarterfinal reads as follows:
Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tchouaméni, Hujsen; Fran García, Valverde, Arda Güler, Bellingham; Vinícius Jr., Gonzalo García.

Mbappé is expected to be available off the bench and could make his tournament debut depending on the flow of the match.