Real Madrid continue their FIFA Club World Cup campaign without star forward Kylian Mbappe, who remains sidelined due to illness. The Frenchman, a marquee summer signing, has not featured in the tournament so far, having missed the opening group stage match against Al Hilal and the following encounter against Pachuca.
Mbappe was recently hospitalized in Florida after suffering from a high fever, and subsequent tests revealed he had acute gastroenteritis a condition commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Though not life-threatening, it demands isolation and rest, especially in high-performance athletes. As a result, the club opted to keep him out of the squad for the initial matches.
Encouragingly, Mbappe is now on the mend. After two days of recovery following his hospital discharge, the forward has resumed light training and continues to receive specific medical treatment. Real Madrid are optimistic that he could return to action for their final group-stage match against FC Salzburg. While it is unclear whether he will start, his presence on the bench would be a welcome boost.
With Mbappe out, young forward Gonzalo Garcia has seized the opportunity to shine. The 21-year-old, who normally plays for Real Madrid Castilla, was thrust into the spotlight during the opening match against Al Hilal. Garcia responded impressively by scoring the team’s only goal in a 1-1 draw and creating several more chances. His instinctive positioning and goal-scoring awareness provided the team with a much-needed edge.
Given his strong performance, Garcia is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup for the next match. His emergence offers Real Madrid valuable depth in attack and lessens the pressure to rush Mbappe’s return. The coaching staff have praised Garcia’s composure and hunger, viewing his rise as a positive byproduct of the current injury setback.
Real Madrid’s final group-stage game against Salzburg will be decisive. A victory would likely secure top spot in Group H, setting up a quarter-final match against the Group G runner-up in Miami on July 1. A second-place finish, however, would see them face the Group G winner in Orlando on June 30.
For Mbappe, this tournament offers a unique opportunity to lift a title he has never competed for. While Real Madrid have historically thrived even without him securing multiple Champions League and La Liga titles his return could be pivotal in the knockout stages, particularly given the rest days built into the schedule.
Whether or not Mbappe is fit in time, Garcia’s form means Real Madrid are still well-positioned to progress. But as the stakes rise, the Frenchman’s experience and firepower could prove crucial in their quest for another Club World Cup crown.
