Mbappe's Comeback in Question as Real Madrid Prepares Starting XI Against RB Salzburg
Real Madrid aims to secure the top position in Group H and advance to the FIFA Club World Cup knockout rounds by defeating RB Salzburg.
The Spanish club had a disappointing start under Xabi Alonso's management, achieving only a 1–1 tie with Al Hilal. However, they recovered impressively in Charlotte, claiming a commanding 3–1 win over Pachuca despite being reduced to ten men just seven minutes into the match.
Real Madrid now faces their final group stage challenge against Salzburg before potentially advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16. The Madrid side should feel optimistic facing an opponent they previously thrashed 5–1 in Champions League action this past January, particularly if Kylian Mbappé is fit to participate.
The French striker is currently recovering from gastroenteritis and has resumed training following a short hospital visit. However, Mbappé is unlikely to be in the starting lineup and may be completely rested if Real Madrid chooses a cautious approach. He would join Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal among the unavailable players, alongside the suspended Raúl Asencio.
Here's how Real Madrid's starting eleven might appear against Salzburg on June 26.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. RB Salzburg (4-1-2-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois hasn't managed a clean sheet during this summer's US tour, but he should fancy his chances against a Salzburg team that has only scored twice in the FIFA Club World Cup.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—The right-back appeared more settled with his new teammates in the previous outing, combining effectively with Gonzalo García and Arda Güler for Real Madrid's decisive goal against Pachuca.
CB: Aurélien Tchouaméni—While Tchouaméni excels in midfield, he continues to be deployed as a center-back out of necessity. With Asencio suspended and Antonio Rüdiger just returning from injury, the French player may again fill the emergency defensive role.
CB: Dean Huijsen—The ex-Bournemouth center-back has impressed in both of his appearances wearing the white jersey. Huijsen has emerged as Real Madrid's standout defender in the FIFA Club World Cup.
LB: Fran García—García's long-term prospects at Real Madrid are unclear, but currently he serves as Alonso's first-choice left-back while Mendy continues his lengthy rehabilitation process.
DM: Fede Valverde—The Uruguayan unexpectedly started on the right flank and even found the net at Bank of America Stadium, but he's expected to revert to his preferred central role.
AM: Arda Güler—It's difficult to overlook Güler for a starting spot when the 20-year-old has been among Real Madrid's top performers in their recent two fixtures. The Turkish international netted Los Blancos' winning goal against Pachuca.
AM: Jude Bellingham—Bellingham appeared to rediscover his form in Charlotte, orchestrating Real Madrid's offensive play. The midfielder notched his 38th goal for Real Madrid in the last match.
RW: Rodrygo—Following his absence from Sunday's match, Rodrygo could rejoin the starting lineup with renewed energy. The winger continues to be linked with potential moves to both Arsenal and Chelsea.
ST: Gonzalo García—The 21-year-old will maintain his position as Real Madrid's focal point in attack until Mbappé is deemed ready to return. García has contributed one goal and one assist across his two appearances under Alonso.
LW: Vinícius Júnior—Vinícius Júnior's recent goal drought is concerning for Real Madrid. The Brazilian will be motivated to replicate his previous showing against Salzburg, where he scored twice in their Champions League encounter.