Mbappe’s Health a Concern for Madrid’s Club World Cup Debut

Real Madrid’s preparations for the Club World Cup have hit a snag, with star striker Kylian Mbappe’s participation in the team’s opener against Al Hilal hanging in the balance due to illness.

New head coach Xabi Alonso will make his debut on the Real bench for the Group H match at Hard Rock Stadium, and he may have to do without several key players.

Mbappe missed training due to his illness, and Alonso revealed that the Frenchman’s condition has improved slightly, but not enough to guarantee his involvement. “Kylian was feeling a little better this morning, but not enough. It’s very hot and it was better that he didn’t train. But we will wait until the last moment. Tomorrow morning we will decide,” Alonso said.

Defender Antonio Rudiger and versatile midfielder Eduardo Camavinga are also doubtful for the match, with Rudiger having made significant efforts to recover from his injury.

“Rudiger made a brutal effort this season and I don’t know if he will be called up tomorrow, but he is progressing well and will be the first to return. Camavinga is also improving quickly, but he needs time,” Alonso added.

Alonso faces a challenge in preparing his team for Al Hilal, who will be led by new coach Simone Inzaghi, who joined the Saudi Pro League side after guiding Inter Milan to the Champions League final. “We have to prepare for the game in the best possible way. They will be a tough opponent, without a doubt. But it’s time to focus on ourselves. They haven’t made their debut with Inzaghi yet, so we don’t know how they will play,” Alonso said.

The Real Madrid boss emphasized the importance of his team having the right mindset, saying, “We have to have hunger to win, to compete, to want to play well. We have to mix a lot of things, but that self-love, that feeling of team, that defending the badge… The team already has it, but we have to work on it. We must be a team.”

Alonso also addressed the competition for the right-back position between Dani Carvajal and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold. “It is a privilege to have such top players. Trent is more flexible in positions, but Carva has a lot of personality and competitiveness. The initial impact of Trent has been very good.”

The coach also shared his thoughts on several players, including England’s Jude Bellingham, who he believes may be more effective in a central midfield role.

“Jude has the ability to cover a lot of the pitch. He has the soul of a midfielder, he likes to participate, but he has the great quality to arrive. The important thing is the starting point. Finding him in the right places is going to help us because he has impressive qualities,” Alonso said.

Alonso will have a limited time to work with Croatian midfielder Luka Modric before the 39-year-old leaves the club. “It’s easy with him. We always had a great relationship, friends and now coach-player.

I like his relationship with the younger ones, he is a very good influence. We want to enjoy him in these weeks. He’s a player of the era, being able to squeeze him a little more will be a luxury,” Alonso said.

VANGUARD