Sat Jul 05 03:49:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Mbappe’s Fitness in Question Ahead of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Quarter-Final**

*EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey -* Doubts surround Kylian Mbappe’s availability for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed the French forward is still recovering from a recent bout of gastroenteritis that saw him briefly hospitalized earlier in the tournament.

Mbappe made a substitute appearance in Madrid’s narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus on Tuesday, marking his tournament debut after missing the entire group stage. Alonso stated that a final decision on Mbappe’s starting role will be made on Saturday morning, after assessing his condition.

In Mbappe’s absence, 21-year-old academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia has stepped up, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Alonso hinted at the possibility of playing both Mbappe and Garcia together, acknowledging their potential to complement each other.

Real Madrid faces a tough challenge against a Dortmund side coached by Niko Kovac, who are in good form after narrowly defeating Monterrey 2-1. Alonso expects a tight match.

*Published: July 5, 2025, 09:19 am IST*

**Summary of the Text:**

The text is a news article from The Hindu focusing on Kylian Mbappe’s fitness status ahead of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup quarter-final match against Borussia Dortmund. Mbappe recently recovered from gastroenteritis. Coach Xabi Alonso will make a last-minute decision on whether Mbappe will start, considering the good form of academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia. The article also previews the match, highlighting Dortmund’s strong form under coach Niko Kovac.

Read More