Kylian Mbappe has not been named in Real Madrid’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H match against Pachuca at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday.
The match marks the second match as manager of former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has taken over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid, among the favourites to win the tournament, qualified by clinching the UEFA Champions League titles in 2021-22 and 2023-24, most recently defeating Borussia Dortmund to claim a record-extending 15th European crown.
WHY IS KYLIAN MBAPPE NOT PLAYING IN REAL MADRID VS PACHUCA?
Mbappe missed Madrid’s first match against Al Hilal due to illness, with the club confirming he had a fever. The French skipper was even admitted to hospital and was later discharged.
As a result, Mbappe didn’t travel with the team to Charlotte and had stayed back at the team hotel.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso also said they are hopeful of the France international to return for the last group game. “He feels better. It will be difficult for him to return for Sunday’s game (against Pachuca), but we hope he can return against Salzburg,” Alonso told official broadcasters DAZN.
Earlier, upon being discharged from hospital, a Real Madrid statement read, “Mbappe will continue with specific medical treatment and will gradually return to the team’s activity.”
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com