Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is a major doubt for their FIFA Club World Cup opener against Saudi Arabian champions Al Hilal on Wednesday, after missing training on Tuesday due to a fever, MySportDab Reports.
The Frenchman, who has been in electrifying form this season with 31 LaLiga goals since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, did not take part in the team’s final session before the match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his debut in the dugout on Wednesday, confirmed that a final decision on Mbappe’s involvement would be taken on the morning of the game.
“Kylian was a bit better this morning, but he wasn’t fully fit, so we felt it was best he skipped training. We’ll make a last-minute decision,” Alonso told reporters.
Mbappe’s potential absence presents a significant headache for Alonso, especially with teenage Brazilian striker Endrick ruled out of the tournament due to a leg injury sustained last month.
With no other recognised centre forward in the squad, Real may have to adopt a more fluid front line against an Al Hilal side looking to upset the European giants.
Despite the uncertainty, Alonso stressed the importance of collective effort. “Defensive work is key. We must press like a unit. It’s one of the tasks we need to address urgently,” he added.
Real Madrid are considered favourites to lift the Club World Cup, having won five of the last 10 UEFA Champions League titles. They share Group F with Al Hilal, Mexican side Pachuca, and Austria’s RB Salzburg.
