That’s what big stars like Kylian Mbappé have. It doesn’t matter if they don’t perform at their best, they deliver, and that’s what happened this season with the French star, who was questioned for not playing at his best, yet ended the year as Europe’s top scorer and the key man for Real Madrid. His absence in the first game did not seem to pose any problem in this first round of the Club World Cup, but after the draw, the need is pressing, and his participation this Sunday is almost ruled out.
Kylian Mbappé and his gastroenteritis
What started as a simple discomfort has become a worrying issue for Xabi Alonso. Mbappé was hospitalized with a mild case of gastroenteritis, and although he has been discharged, he is resting at the team hotel to finish recovering. Medically, he could be available to play on Sunday, but this type of infection greatly weakens anyone who suffers from it, and his participation could be risky given the high temperatures in the United States, especially knowing that the match is being played in the early afternoon local time. Therefore, barring a major last-minute surprise, his presence is practically ruled out.
Mbappé’s debut in the Club World Cup
Mbappé does not look set to make his debut until the third and final group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday (Friday at 3:00 a.m. Spanish time), when the Whites will be playing for a place in the next round.
It will therefore be a decisive match for the Whites, who, whatever happens on Sunday, will still have a chance of qualifying. The French star will therefore be back to lead the team in the first key moment of the season, against a Salzburg side that, on paper, is inferior, but Real Madrid has already shown that no match can be taken lightly given the opportunities it gives its opponents.
Real Madrid’s options in the Club World Cup
Whatever the result this Sunday in the second match of the Club World Cup against Pachuca, Real Madrid will still have a chance of qualifying until the last matchday, but with some caveats: if they lose this Sunday, they will have to look to their rivals to reach the round of 16, as they will not be in control of their own destiny, but they will need a win. If they draw this Sunday, a victory against Red Bull Salzburg would guarantee their place in the next round, and if they draw, they would have to wait for the other teams to play to find out if they can advance. The logical outcome is that they win both games, but…
Therefore, whatever the results of this second matchday, the third will be decisive, and Real Madrid will be able to count on their star player to avoid being knocked out at the first hurdle. The draw against Al-Hilal was not on anyone’s radar, neither the fans nor the team, but now they just have to look ahead and win both games to avoid complications.
Real Madrid will not be able to count on Kylian Mbappé for this Sunday’s game unless there is a big surprise, and will have to wait until the last day of the group stage to have their star player back. As the team stands, they need him. He finished the season with his sights set on the Golden Boot, and his goals now seem to be more necessary than ever.