Club World Cup: Mbappe Misses Training Again, Doubtful for Real Madrid’s Clash with Pachuca

Club World Cup: Mbappe to Miss Pachuca Clash as Illness Sidelines Real Madrid Star.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is set to miss Sunday’s Club World Cup Group H fixture against Mexican side Pachuca after skipping team training for a second straight day, the club confirmed.

Mbappe is recovering from a severe bout of gastroenteritis that led to his hospitalisation earlier this week in Miami. Although he was discharged on Thursday, the 25-year-old has remained isolated at the team hotel and did not travel with the squad to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Sunday’s match will be held at the Bank of America Stadium.

The Frenchman had already missed Madrid’s tournament opener — a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal — in which young forward Gonzalo García scored Madrid’s lone goal before Ruben Neves equalised from the spot. The draw left Madrid in a tough position, now trailing group leaders RB Salzburg, who beat Pachuca 2-1.

Head coach Xabi Alonso offered a cautious update on Mbappe’s condition.
“He’s feeling better,” Alonso said. “It’s been two days since he came back from hospital. He’s recovering well, and we’re hopeful he’ll be ready for the next game.”

Madrid are eager to make a mark at the Club World Cup after a trophyless domestic season. The summer saw sweeping changes: Alonso replacing Carlo Ancelotti, high-profile arrivals like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, and the signing of Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono, who will join in August.

Alonso, however, dismissed suggestions of further signings.
“We’re focused on the Club World Cup. With the players we have, especially in midfield, I’m confident we can control games,” he said.

Madrid last faced Pachuca in December’s Intercontinental Cup final, winning 3-0. But Sunday’s match will test both teams under sweltering conditions, with temperatures expected to hit 90°F (32°C).

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois voiced concerns over the kickoff time.
“It’s not an excuse, but playing at this hour in this heat isn’t ideal,” he said. “Even in European summers, games are in the evening. I’d prefer that here too.” With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Real Madrid will need a strong performance — even without their biggest star.