Mbappe expected to return from illness against Salzburg at Club World Cup

Kylian Mbappe is expected to return to the pitch for Real Madrid on Thursday (June 26) in their crucial Club World Cup group stage match against Salzburg, after recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis that sidelined him for the team’s first two matches.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso confirmed Mbappe’s likely return following the club’s 3-1 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca, saying, “We need to go day by day,” but expressed optimism about having the star forward back in action soon.

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe is expected to return on Thursday (June 26) in their crucial Club World Cup group stage match against Salzburg, after recovering from gastroenteritis that sidelined him for the team’s first two matches.

In Mbappe’s absence, academy forward Gonzalo Garcia rose to the occasion, scoring Real Madrid’s only goal in the match against Al Hilal and starting again in the victory over Pachuca. His contributions have kept the Spanish giants in contention for the knockout stage.

The return of Mbappe, who was Real Madrid’s top scorer last season with 43 goals across all competitions, is expected to boost the team’s attacking strength as they face Austrian champions Salzburg. The French international’s debut at the Club World Cup is one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament.

Real Madrid will only need a draw in Thursday’s final Group H fixture to secure their place in the knockout rounds.