It’s not quite the start Kylian Mbappe or Real Madrid fans were hoping for in the Club World Cup.
While the team began their tournament run in Miami, their star forward was noticeably absent—and now we know why.
Mbappe Misses Opening Match Due to Sudden Illness
Real Madrid’s opening match saw them draw 1-1 with Al-Hilal, but the bigger concern wasn’t just the result—it was the absence of their marquee player.
Mbappe didn’t make the squad on Wednesday, and by Thursday, the club confirmed he had been hospitalized with a nasty case of gastroenteritis.
Hospital Stay Confirmed, But Signs of Recovery Are Positive
In a statement released by the club, Real Madrid shared that Mbappe had been admitted for tests and treatment due to an “acute case of gastroenteritis.”
The illness, which causes intense stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhea, can range from mild to severe.
Thankfully, it looks like Mbappe’s on the mend.
By Thursday evening, the club provided a promising update: he had been discharged and would now continue treatment privately, away from the hospital.
According to the club, he’s expected to gradually resume training activities as his condition improves.
Coach Xabi Alonso Weighs In with Cautious Optimism
After the match against Al-Hilal, head coach Xabi Alonso was asked about Mbappe’s status.
While he didn’t make any promises, Alonso noted that the Frenchman had been through a rough couple of days with a strong viral illness.
“We’ll have to see how he feels,” Alonso said, suggesting the decision for Sunday’s match would come down to how Mbappe responds in the next few days.
Recovery Timeline Uncertain with Possibility of Missing More Games
Though gastroenteritis typically clears up within a week, more intense cases—like the one Mbappe is dealing with—can linger for up to two weeks.
That means he could be sidelined until the quarter-finals, and even then, there would be concerns about his overall match fitness.
Real Madrid’s Upcoming Fixtures Still Pose a Challenge
With or without Mbappe, Real Madrid has to keep moving.
Their next Club World Cup match is against Mexican side Pachuca, followed by a final group stage showdown against Red Bull Salzburg on June 26.
The team will be hoping for a stronger showing than in their tournament opener, where they let a win slip away.
Gonzalo Garcia gave them the lead, but a Ruben Neves penalty evened things up—and Federico Valverde’s missed spot-kick in stoppage time sealed the draw.
A Young Star Steps Up in Mbappe’s Absence
In Mbappe’s place, 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia stepped into the spotlight and led the attack.
He managed to get on the scoresheet, proving he’s one to watch, but the team clearly missed Mbappe’s presence in the final third.
All Eyes on Sunday as Recovery Progresses
As Real Madrid prepares for their second group match, all eyes are on Mbappe’s recovery.
The hope is that his symptoms ease quickly and he can rejoin the squad in time to make an impact later in the tournament.