Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized with an acute case of gastroenteritis, adding to a challenging start for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. The World Cup winner missed the Spanish giant’s opening game of the tournament on Wednesday — a surprising 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian team Al Hilal in Miami — due to a fever.
Coach Xabi Alonso mentioned that the France international was in “rough shape” and had not been able to train for several days. His hospitalization now raises questions about his involvement in the monthlong tournament in the United States, with Madrid scheduled to face Pachuca in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday.
Madrid announced that Kylian Mbappe would “undergo a series of tests and follow the appropriate course of treatment.” Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, can lead to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Mbappe’s absence is a significant blow to the Club World Cup, which FIFA president Gianni Infantino hopes will become an elite event in soccer and rival the popularity and value of competitions like the Champions League and Premier League. Following Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe is arguably the second biggest star in the event, with Madrid being one of the favorites to claim the trophy in this inaugural edition.
A crowd exceeding 62,000 at Hard Rock Stadium missed the rare opportunity to see him in person when he was unavailable for Madrid’s initial match at the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Alonso missed him as well; Madrid struggled against Saudi Arabia’s most successful team and failed to convert a penalty in the 92nd minute, which would have secured a win.
This match marked Alonso’s first game in charge of the 15-time European champions, who are notoriously demanding of their coaches. He succeeded Carlo Ancelotti, who resigned to coach the Brazil national team after winning two Spanish crowns and three Champions League titles during his two tenure at the club.
Alonso urged patience as Madrid had to settle for a draw after surviving multiple scares in the first half, even though they were the clear favorites against Al Hilal.“We know this is going to take time,” he said.
The 26-year-old Kylian Mbappe was Madrid’s top scorer last season, netting 43 goals in 56 appearances in his first year after transferring from Paris Saint-Germain. His hospitalization comes almost exactly one year after he suffered a broken nose during the European Championship, requiring him to wear a face mask to continue playing in the tournament.
