Mbappe ruled out of FIFA Club World Cup group stage: Real Madrid faces tough test

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis, ruling him out of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage matches, including the crucial game against Pachuca on Sunday.

The 26-year-old forward missed Real Madrid's opening 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal due to a fever, with coach Xabi Alonso confirming his absence. "Mbappe was doubtful for Real's next game," Alonso said, highlighting the challenge the team faces without their prolific scorer.

Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the 2024-25 season, has been instrumental this season, scoring 31 La Liga goals in 34 games and seven goals in 14 UEFA Champions League appearances. His absence is a significant blow for the Spanish giants, who are competing as favorites in the tournament.

A club statement confirmed, "Our player Kylian Mbappé was discharged from the hospital this afternoon and has returned to the Real Madrid training camp. Mbappe will continue receiving specific medical treatment and will gradually return to team activity."

Despite Mbappe's absence, Real Madrid managed a draw against Al Hilal, but the team will face a tough test in the upcoming matches without their star forward. The group stage also includes a match against RB Salzburg on June 26, which Mbappe might be fit for depending on his recovery.

Gastroenteritis, an infection causing vomiting and diarrhea, has sidelined Mbappe temporarily, but the club remains hopeful for his return later in the tournament.

"Mbappe scored 43 goals in 56 games in all competitions for Real in his first season," underscoring his importance to the squad.

Real Madrid's new coach Xabi Alonso, in his first competition after replacing Carlo Ancelotti, will need to adapt tactics to compensate for Mbappe's absence as the team aims to secure the Club World Cup title.

The absence of Mbappe was felt by over 62,000 fans who attended the opener, hoping to see the star in action but instead witnessed a 1-1 draw.

Real Madrid's next match against Pachuca on Sunday at 20:00 BST will be a key test of the squad's depth and resilience without their talismanic forward.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis and ruled out of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, including the upcoming match against Pachuca. Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed Mbappe missed the opener against Al Hilal due to fever, posing a challenge for the team.