Sun Jun 22 19:00:00 UTC 2025: **Real Madrid Hopes Mbappé Returns for Crucial Club World Cup Match Amid Heat and Squad Concerns**

**Charlotte, NC** – Real Madrid is hoping star forward Kylian Mbappé will recover from gastroenteritis in time for their final Club World Cup group stage match against RB Salzburg. Mbappé missed Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Al Hilal and has remained in Florida for recovery, skipping Sunday’s game against Pachuca in Charlotte.

“He’s better,” said coach Xabi Alonso at a press conference Saturday. “Two days ago, he came back from the hospital. He’s recovering, and every day we’re more optimistic about getting him back for the last game against Salzburg [on Thursday].”

In Mbappé’s absence, 21-year-old Gonzalo García scored Madrid’s lone goal against Al Hilal. Madrid, looking to rebound from a trophy-less season and under new coach Xabi Alonso, are in the midst of a squad overhaul, having signed Dean Huijsen and expedited Trent Alexander-Arnold’s arrival. They’ve also secured Franco Mastantuono from River Plate, who will join in August.

Alonso downplayed concerns about needing another midfielder, stating, “We aren’t in the phase of improving the squad, we’re focused on this competition. I think with who we have, we can have a dominant midfield.”

The match against Pachuca presents a different challenge: extreme heat. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois voiced concerns about the 3 p.m. kickoff in projected 90+ degree Fahrenheit temperatures. “It’s not an excuse, they want to put it on for the European market, but I don’t think it’s optimal for the players and our health. I’d prefer to play in the evening.”

The game is a rematch of a December FIFA Intercontinental Cup final where Real Madrid won 3-0. The team is aiming to secure a spot in the next round of the Club World Cup and is relying on a strong performance despite the absences and challenging conditions.

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