PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL — Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé remains sidelined due to a severe stomach flu, missing training on Saturday ahead of the team’s crucial FIFA Club World Cup group-stage match against Mexican side Pachuca.
The French forward, hospitalized earlier this week for acute gastroenteritis, has not yet rejoined team activities and will not travel with the squad to Charlotte, North Carolina, for Sunday’s match at Bank of America Stadium. Real Madrid confirmed that Mbappé is undergoing specialized medical treatment and will only return to play once fully recovered.
Newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso is expected to provide an update on Mbappé’s condition during a press conference in Charlotte on Saturday night. The 25-year-old striker was discharged from the hospital on Thursday but continues to follow a careful recovery plan.
Mbappé, a 2018 World Cup winner with France and one of the tournament’s most high-profile players alongside Lionel Messi, fell ill ahead of Real Madrid’s opening match against Al-Hilal. Alonso initially stated that the team would assess his availability up until the last minute, but his condition worsened, leading to hospitalization.
“He wasn’t doing well the last two days. He’s sick,” Alonso admitted after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal. While Mbappé has shown slight improvement, his absence leaves a significant gap in Real Madrid’s attack as they push for advancement in the tournament.
Upcoming Matches and Group Standings
Following Sunday’s clash with Pachuca, Real Madrid will face Austria’s FC Salzburg on June 26 in Philadelphia. Salzburg currently leads Group H with three points after defeating Pachuca 2-1, while Real Madrid and Al-Hilal sit with one point each.
If Real Madrid advances, Mbappé could potentially return for the knockout stages, providing a major boost to their title hopes. His presence remains critical for a squad aiming to dominate the global competition.
Fans and analysts will closely monitor Alonso’s upcoming press conference for further updates on Mbappé’s recovery timeline. For now, Real Madrid must navigate their next matches without their star forward as he focuses on regaining full fitness.
