Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the squad for Thursday’s Club World Cup group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg, despite returning to training after a recent illness. Coach Xabi Alonso released a 23-man list for the match in Philadelphia, with the French forward notably absent.
Mbappe had been sidelined by a bout of gastroenteritis, which led to a hospital visit last week. He missed both of Madrid’s previous tournament games, a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal and a 3-1 win over Pachuca. Although he resumed training on Wednesday, it appears the coaching staff has opted not to rush his return.
“Mbappe is doing better, he is recovering,” Alonso noted following the victory over Pachuca, suggesting optimism about his condition. However, that recovery hasn’t yet translated to match readiness, with Madrid choosing caution as they eye a deeper run in the competition.
Madrid shared photos of Mbappe training with the team at their Florida base ahead of the trip to Philadelphia, where they will face Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field. A win would guarantee top spot in Group H, though a draw would also be enough to secure a place in the last 16.
Mbappe has been in stellar form since joining from PSG, scoring 43 goals in 56 matches. His last appearance came for France in a 2-0 UEFA Nations League win over Germany on June 8.
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