Mbappe a doubt for Real's Club World Cup opener

FE Team | Published: June 18, 2025 22:45:17

Kylian Mbappe

MIAMI, June 18, 2025 (AFP) :Real Madrid could be without striker Kylian Mbappe for their Club World Cup opener against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after the Frenchman missed training due to illness.
New head coach Xabi Alonso will make his debut on the Real bench for the Group H match at Hard Rock Stadium and could be without several regulars.
Defender Antonio Rudiger and the versatile Eduardo Camavinga are also likely to miss out against the Saudi team.
"Kylian was feeling a little better this morning, but not enough. It's very hot and it was better that he didn't train. But we will wait until the last moment. Tomorrow morning we will decide," said Alonso.
"Rudiger made a brutal effort this season and I don't know if he will be called up tomorrow, but he is progressing well and will be the first to return. Camavinga is also improving quickly, but he needs time," he added.
Al Hilal will also have a new coach on the bench with Italian Simone Inzaghi having joined after leading Inter Milan to the Champions League final.
Alonso said the change of coach means that it is difficult to know what to expect from Wednesday's opponents.
"We have to prepare for the game in the best possible way. They will be a tough opponent, without a doubt. But it's time to focus on ourselves. They haven't made their debut with Inzaghi yet, so we don't know how they will play.