'He's feeling better, but Sunday will be tough' - Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso confirms Kylian Mbappé out vs. Liga MX side Pachuca in Club World Cup

With just a day to go before facing Pachuca in their second match of the Club World Cup, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé will miss the game. The French forward, who has been sidelined with acute gastroenteritis, will not travel with the team to Charlotte for Sunday’s clash.

Mbappé was hospitalized in the lead-up to Madrid’s tournament opener and has yet to play a single minute in the competition. There are even reports suggesting he may not feature at all until the knockout stage - if Madrid makes it that far.

"He's feeling a bit better. He's back at the hotel after being released from the hospital," Alonso told DAZN. "But I think Sunday will be tough for him. Hopefully, we can have him back for the Salzburg match."

Looking ahead, Alonso is targeting Thursday’s match against Salzburg as the likely return date for the Frenchman. Madrid will aim to secure three points against Pachuca beforehand, which would put them in a strong position to advance to the Round of 16, where potential matchups against European heavyweights like Manchester City or Juventus could await.