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**Summary:**

Kylian Mbappe is doubtful for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal due to illness. The French forward missed training with a fever, leaving new manager Xabi Alonso with a selection headache, as Endrick is also injured. Alonso emphasized the importance of strong defensive work regardless of Mbappe’s availability. Real Madrid is considered a tournament favorite, while Al Hilal, the AFC Champions League winners, aim to exploit any weaknesses in Madrid’s lineup.

**News Article:**

**Mbappe Doubtful for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Opener Due to Illness**

**MIAMI, FL** – Real Madrid’s star striker, Kylian Mbappe, is a major doubt for Wednesday’s Club World Cup match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal after being sidelined by illness. The French international missed Tuesday’s training session with a fever, casting uncertainty over his participation in the highly anticipated clash at Hard Rock Stadium.

New Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, set to make his debut in the dugout, confirmed Mbappe’s condition. “Kylian was a bit better this morning, but he was not fully fit, so we thought it would be best for him to skip training. Let’s see how it evolves, and we’ll make a last-minute decision,” Alonso told reporters.

Mbappe’s potential absence presents Alonso with a selection dilemma, as he is currently the team’s only recognized center-forward. Brazilian teenager Endrick, who could have provided an alternative, is also unavailable due to a leg muscle injury.

Mbappe has been a key player for Real Madrid this season, since his summer move. His potential absence would be a significant blow to Real’s chances against Al Hilal, who qualified for the Club World Cup as the 2021 AFC Champions League winners.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mbappe, Alonso stressed the importance of defensive solidity. “Defensive work is important. It’s one of the tasks we need to address in the short term, and in the long term, it will be decisive for our success,” he said.

Real Madrid, a tournament favorite with five Champions League titles in the last decade, are looking to continue their dominance on the world stage. They were drawn in Group F with Al-Hilal, Pachuca and RB Salzburg.

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