Kylian Mbappe could not even make the bench as Real Madrid drew 1-1 in their FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal on June 18.
After dropping points in the opening fixture, Los Blancos need to improve their showings in the remaining two Group H matches. Following a lacklustre attacking display against Al Hilal, the All-Whites would be eager to have Mbappe’s expertise in the final third.
They face Pachuca on June 22 before taking on Red Bull Salzburg in their final Group H fixture on June 27.
Kylian Mbappe Discharged From Hospital – Real Madrid Confirm
On Thursday, June 19, Real Madrid revealed that Kylian Mbappe had been hospitalised with severe gastroenteritis. Due to the illness, the 26-year-old missed the draw with Al Hilal, casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the tournament.
Los Blancos have since allayed fears of a prolonged absence, confirming the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker has been discharged.
🚨 Kylian Mbappé has been discharged from the hospital and has returned to the training camp with Real Madrid teammates.
Mbappé will again continue receiving specific medical treatment and he will gradually return to team activity. pic.twitter.com/D0wOkvClI8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2025
Confirming the positive development, Real Madrid informed:
“Our player Kylian Mbappe was discharged from the hospital this afternoon and has returned to the Real Madrid camp. Mbappe will continue with specific medical treatment and will progressively rejoin team activity.”
However, his return from the hospital does not necessarily mean he will be available for the next match.
Will Kylian Mbappe Play in the Club World Cup?
As confirmed by Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe has returned from the hospital. However, he is not fit to start training just yet. Mbappe will continue with his “specific” medical plan to attain 100% fitness.
Kylian Mbappe Unlikely to Play in Club World Cup Clash Against Pachuca
With the Club World Cup games coming thick and fast, players get very little time to recover. Kylian Mbappe, who has not trained with the team since June 17, will find it particularly difficult to bounce back.
Since he has not even joined training, his chances of playing against Pachuca are slim. Manager Xabi Alonso is also likely to take a cautious approach with one of the most important players in his team.
However, considering he does not relapse, Mbappe could return to Club World Cup duty in the clash against Salzburg on June 27.
Who Will Play in Kylian Mbappe’s Absence?
Xabi Alonso fielded a front three of Rodrygo — a player Emmanuel Petit wants at Arsenal, Gonzalo Garcia, and Vinicius Junior in the 1-1 draw with Al Hilal. If Alonso sticks with the 4-3-3 formation against Pachuca, Garcia could once again lead the attack. The 21-year-old impressed on his Club World Cup debut, scoring Real Madrid’s only goal.
Arda Guler should start every game for Real Madrid, the impact he gave to the team was clearly visible in the second half. Hope Xabi starts this kid for upcoming games. He is the future🤍 pic.twitter.com/TqDIhWpAG1
— ً (@kylianesque) June 18, 2025
A switch to a 4-4-2 system, meanwhile, could see Garcia make way for Arda Guler. The talented Turkish playmaker had three shots and created three chances after coming on at halftime against Al Hilal. It would not be surprising if he gets the chance to operate behind Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo on Sunday.
