Mbappe Injury Concern Rocks Real Madrid Before Club World Cup Kickoff

Kylian Mbappé's participation in Real Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup opening match against Al Hilal has been thrown into question.

The French star was absent from the squad's final training session before Wednesday's game due to illness. According to MARCA reports, Mbappé is suffering from a fever and stayed behind at the team hotel while Xabi Alonso conducted practice with his new players in Miami's sweltering conditions.

Real Madrid officials are closely watching Mbappé's health status and are reluctant to push the striker too hard, particularly considering Florida's hot climate. The team will evaluate his fitness in the hours before kickoff against Al Hilal before making their final decision.

Mbappé's potential absence would represent a significant setback for Real Madrid. The French national team skipper was the club's top scorer in the previous season, netting 43 goals in all tournaments. He also claimed both the Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Boot during his inaugural season wearing the famous white jersey.

With both Mbappé and the sidelined Endrick unavailable, Alonso might have to navigate his inaugural match managing the world's most prestigious club without a recognized striker.

The positive aspect for the new manager and Real Madrid is that Mbappé's issue is illness-related rather than an injury, suggesting a quicker return to action. Should he miss Los Blancos' Club World Cup opener, he should be completely recovered from his ailment in time for the team's encounter with Pachuca on Sunday, June 22.