Real Madrid’s hopes for Club World Cup glory have suffered a major blow as star forward Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalised with a severe case of gastroenteritis.
The France captain, who has been in sensational form, missed the club’s opening match against Al-Hilal – a tense 1-1 draw – due to illness. Moreover, he was also absent from training sessions on Tuesday because of a high fever.
The club confirmed on Thursday that Mbappe’s condition worsened, prompting immediate hospitalisation for detailed medical examinations.
Although Real Madrid revealed that the 26-year-old is undergoing several tests, they stopped short of confirming if he will be fit for their next match against Pachuca on Sunday. Consequently, uncertainty still looms over the forward’s availability.
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Interestingly, this development comes during Mbappe’s first season in Spain after a landmark move from Paris Saint-Germain. Not only has he made an instant impact by scoring 43 goals in 56 matches across all competitions, he has also played a vital role in Real’s recent UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup triumphs. Therefore, his absence could not have come at a worse time as Real gears up for a crucial Club World Cup campaign.
Additionally, the club is navigating this challenge under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard succeeded Carlo Ancelotti following the end of the La Liga season.
While Alonso’s reign started brightly with silverware success, the Mbappe health scare presents an unexpected early test of his leadership and tactical nous. Furthermore, the team’s performance without their talisman in the next fixture will be closely scrutinised by supporters and analysts alike.
Tags: Kylian Mbappe, hospitalised, Real Madrid, FIFA Club World Cup, #CWC, Al-Hilal, Xabi Alonso, gastroenteritis, acute illness, Paris Saint-Germain, PSG.
