Kylian Mbappé was absent from Real Madrid’s final training session on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Florida.
Ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal on Wednesday, the French star, sidelined by a fever, missed the session open to media, sparking doubts about his availability for the Group B match at Hard Rock Stadium.
Selection Dilemma for Alonso
Mbappé’s potential absence poses a challenge for Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, who faces a critical debut in the expanded 32-team tournament.
The 32-year-old forward, who led La Liga with 31 goals this season, is pivotal to the team’s ambitions.
Alonso noted, “He was feeling better but not enough to train,” indicating a cautious approach to Mbappé’s recovery.
Real Madrid’s High Stakes
Despite the setback, Real Madrid remains a favorite, as defender Brahim Diaz emphasized:
“We have a lot of desire. This is the best club in the world, so we want to win every competition. But great teams are here, and we must compete well to win the Club World Cup.”
The Spanish giants face stiff competition from clubs like Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the tournament, which offers a $125 million prize.
Mbappé’s Recent Struggles
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in 2024 after stints with PSG and Monaco, has faced challenges, including a doping ban and injuries since his 2018 World Cup triumph.
His absence fuels speculation about his fitness, with some fans expressing concern over conditions in Miami.
Alonso also updated on other injuries, noting Antonio Rüdiger is likely return soon.
Club World Cup Spotlight
Real Madrid’s opener against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal kicks off their Group B campaign, which includes matches against Botafogo and Seattle Sounders.
With the tournament drawing global attention, Mbappé’s status remains a focal point as Real Madrid aims to maintain their dominance on the world stage.
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