Real Madrid reveal return date for Kylian Mbappe after France star recovers from illness

Mbappe will not take part in Real Madrid's final group stage game at the Club World Cup as he continues his comeback from illness. The France captain reportedly lost 5kg while in hospital with gastroenteritis and only joined his team-mates in training again on Wednesday.

Mbappe missed two games while out with illness but Los Blancos are in a commanding position to top Group H and can claim first place by beating Salzburg. They'll have to do it without Mbappe, however, as manager Alonso is instead targeting the last 16 for his return.

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Alonso told reporters: "It [Wednesday] was his first day back in boots, his first day running a little, and he did well. But he's not fully recovered yet.

"We talked about it after training, and he prefers to rest and recover properly for when we go through.

"And if we make it to the round of 16, he'll be available, but he was still in the recovery process and wasn't perfect for tomorrow."

In Mbappe's absence, Alonso has turned to 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia to lead the line. The young Spaniard has responded with a goal and an assist in his two appearances and could get the chance to add to that tally with another start against Salzburg.

Mbappe will be hopeful of returning to action in the last 16, with a clash lined up against either Manchester City or Juventus. The 26-year-old's last match came on international duty with France earlier this month, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Germany to help Les Bleus claim third place in the Nations League.