Xabi Alonso Shares Promising Update on Kylian Mbappe's Club World Cup Comeback

Real Madrid's head coach Xabi Alonso has stated that the team is optimistic about Kylian Mbappé's potential return for their final Club World Cup group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg.

The French striker was absent from Madrid's tournament opener versus Al Hilal due to illness that subsequently necessitated a brief hospitalization. Mbappé has now been released from medical care and has been participating in individual light training sessions.

Although Sunday's encounter with Pachuca will arrive too early for Mbappé's comeback, Alonso indicated that the star attacker should be ready to feature against Salzburg the following Thursday.

"His condition is improving, he's been released from hospital and is on the mend," Alonso shared during his pre-match media briefing.

"We remain positive about his availability for the Salzburg fixture."

As a replacement, Alonso is expected to persist with 21-year-old Gonzalo García, who netted Madrid's inaugural goal in the competition.

"He can deliver what he demonstrated previously," Alonso commented regarding García. "He's a forward who has the potential to be crucial. He created three opportunities beyond his goal. We lacked presence in the penalty area."

Despite Alonso's admiration for the young forward, he declined to specify whether García will stay with the first team after this summer or be sent on loan for increased playing time.

"The future remains to be determined," Alonso stated. "Currently, our attention is on this tournament. Decisions regarding that will be addressed afterwards."