Picture Credit: X
With the top-tier football tournaments having concluded, all football fanatics have their eyes set on the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which is underway in the United States (US). With key clubs fighting for the coveted title in the first-ever 32-team tournament, Real Madrid have also found themselves in the race.
The Xabi Alonso-managed side are placed in Group H, alongside Salzburg, Al-Hilal and Pachuca. In their tournament opener, they saw them draw against the Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal by 1-1 margin and will next take on Pachuca on Sunday night in Charlotte in North Carolina. But ahead of the key fixture, the Los Blancos have been handed a major setback.
Kylian Mbappe ruled out of Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match against Pachuca
As Read Madrid will hope to register their first win in the ongoing tournament, they are set to miss the services of their star forward, Kylian Mbappe. On Saturday, Xabi Alonso confirmed the French striker’s absence while adding that he hasn’t traveled with the team to Charlotte. “He’s doing better, he’s back from the hospital and is recovering. We’re optimistic about having him against Salzburg," Alonso said at the pre-match press conference.
It is to be noted that the French forward was admitted to a hospital on Thursday last week for tests and treatment after suffering acute case of gastroenteritis. However, he was released on Friday. A club source close to the developments informed AFP that Mbappe is improving “bit by bit," but will not take field for Sunday’s match against the Mexican side Pachuca.
With Madrid missing two straight games for the Los Blancos, they will be hopeful to get him back fit for their final Group H game, where they will take on Salzburg on Thursday in Philadelphia.
