Real Madrid will start their World Cup 2025 Club World Cup against Al Hilal on Wednesday, but they can be without the services of Kylian Mbappe for the match against the Saudi Pro League side.
Mbappe has suffered from disease in the run-up to the Miami game, and he will not train with his Real Madrid teammates on Tuesday. As such, he is classified as doubtful to face Hilal.
But despite this, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso still has hope that Mbappe is available. Speaking in his press conference for the competition (via Diario AS), he gave an update about the Frenchman, as well as Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.
“Kylian felt a little better this morning, but not enough. It is very hot and it was better that I did not train. But we will wait until the last moment. Tomorrow we will decide.
“As far as the rest are concerned … They are looking forward to it, but they are in different phases. Rudiger has made a brutal effort this season and I don't know if he will be called up tomorrow, but he will be good and will be the first to return. The rest needs a little more time. Camavinga is also improved quickly, but he needs time.”
Alonso also gave his thoughts about how he sees Mbappe in the way he wants his Real Madrid side to play.
“He is a dynamic striker, not positional, not in the box. The idea is not to have regular players. Because Kylian is not a reference nine … but he is a number nine that scores many goals.”
In terms of the match against Al Hilal, Alonso made clear what he expects from his side.
“We have to prepare ourselves in the best possible way. They will undoubtedly be a tough opponent. But it is time to concentrate on ourselves. They have not yet made their debut with Simone Inzaghi, so we don't know how they will play.
“(We have to show) Hunger to win, compete, to play well. We have to mix many 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 have to be a team.”