Will Kylian Mbappe play for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup matches?

An acute case of gastroenteritis has hospitalized Real Madrid's star forward, Kylian Mbappe, thereby raising questions over his involvement in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Wednesday's Real Madrid opening match against Al-Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami finished 1-1, and the French international was not available for the game.

On Thursday, the club confirmed that Mbappe was admitted to a hospital to "undergo several tests and get the required therapy". The availability of one of the most well-known players for the rest of the competition has been brought up with great concern. However, as per the latest updates, Mbappe seems to be recovering rapidly. The Frenchman has already returned to the Real Madrid base after being discharged from the hospital, the La Liga club shared in a fresh medical update on Friday.

Hospitalisation Information and Present Status

Earlier this week, Mbappe's temperature stopped him from training on Tuesday. His sickness seemed to worsen such that hospitalization was required for what Real Madrid termed as “acute gastroenteritis”. While undergoing specialized care, the 26-year-old forward required a string of medical tests.

Originally wishing Mbappe would be able to recover in time for the team's next match, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso thinks his hospitalization implies his condition is worse than first believed. Alonso said, “I am unable to say whether he will come back for the following match. We'll have to hold out and see. Over the last two days, he hasn't been doing well. He is sick”, following Wednesday's draw.

Regrettably, this health problem came around Alonso's first appearance as Real Madrid's head coach in a significant worldwide competition. A 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia from Madrid's B-team stepped in for Mbappe and even scored the first goal versus Al-Hilal.

Real Madrid released a new statement regarding Kylian Mbappe's health condition later on Friday. The club revealed that the former PSG man has already “returned to the Real Madrid training camp”, having left the hospital. “Mbappé will continue receiving specific medical treatment and will gradually return to team activity,” Real Madrid said in Kylian Mbappe's new medical report.

Effect on the Campaign of Real Madrid Club World Cup

Real Madrid's next Group H match is on Sunday, June 22, against Mexican team CF Pachuca at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their last group stage game is against FC Salzburg on June 26 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Real Madrid's attacking choices suffer greatly from the lack of Mbappe, who finished with 31 goals in La Liga last season to take the European Golden Shoe.

Medical experts advise that athletes usually need several days of good nutrition and hydration before they may resume intense competition; recovery from acute gastroenteritis can vary greatly. Mbappe is projected to miss at the very least the rest of the group stages. This raises a difficult situation for Alonso, who lacks experienced choices for the central striking position.

Expectations of Fans

Over the next few days, supporters of Real Madrid will be anxiously awaiting more information on Mbappe's condition. Underlining his health as the top priority, the club has not specified a timetable for his rehabilitation. There may be hope for Mbappe's comeback later in the competition if Real Madrid makes the knockout rounds, which start on June 28. Three points from their 2-1 triumph over Pachuca put FC Salzburg at the top of Group H; Real Madrid and Al Hilal each have one point from their draw.

Los Blancos will be expected to qualify for the knockout phase, where the first round of games starts June 28, notwithstanding Mbappe's absence. For the time being, Alonso will have to negotiate the remaining group stage games using his squad depth and tactical agility while his star forward concentrates on recuperation. Mbappe's health will determine his return to action as soon as is feasible, so the club's medical staff will be working hard for his early recovery.