Real Madrid will once again be without star forward Kylian Mbappe when they face Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday, though there’s a boost as Antonio Rudiger returns to the squad. Mbappe missed the previous match against Al-Hilal due to acute gastroenteritis. Although he’s now recovering and back at the club’s training base, he will not feature this weekend.
The France international was hospitalized briefly but discharged the same day. While he’s expected to return soon, the club may target the Salzburg match on June 27 for his potential comeback. Speaking ahead of the Pachuca clash, head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed: “We’re hopeful he will be ready for the Salzburg game. Antonio, yes, he’s been discharged. We have to go gradually.”
Meanwhile, Rudiger has been cleared for action after recovering from the knee injury he sustained in late April. He rejoins the defense, though Madrid remain without several key players including Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick.
Alonso warned of a tough test: “We’re expecting a tough and energetic match. The aim is to play well and win.” Real Madrid currently sit second in Group H with one point, trailing leaders Red Bull Salzburg, who can secure a spot in the round of 16 with a win over Al-Hilal. Even a win over Pachuca may not be enough to guarantee Los Blancos qualification before their final group clash against Salzburg, making Sunday’s match crucial.
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