Mbappe’s Absence Sparks Concern Regarding Playing Conditions

MIAMI GARDENS: Real Madrid’s star forward, Kylian Mbappe, was absent from Tuesday’s training session. This occurred before their FIFA Club World Cup campaign began against Al Hilal from the Saudi Pro League. The match is slated for Wednesday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Reports from various international media outlets suggest that Mbappe is currently dealing with a fever.

Last season, the 26-year-old was a key performer for Real Madrid, having scored an impressive 43 goals across all competitions.

Mbappe’s absence during training heightened anxieties about the suitability of the environment. Some players and coaches have previously voiced their concerns regarding the intense heat.

Midfielder Dani Ceballos described the heat as sometimes detrimental but stressed that they are adapting physically to perform well under difficult conditions.

“The heat can be counterproductive, but it affects our opponents as well,” Ceballos noted. “We are training during these hours to become accustomed to this ‘discomfort’.”

It is worth mentioning that Real Madrid has reinforced its squad with the additions of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. These changes follow a season where they finished second in LaLiga and were knocked out in the Champions League quarterfinals.

This tournament will also mark the official beginning of Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid’s coach, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, who departed on May 25.

Real Madrid defender Huijsen characterized Alonso as a ‘capable coach’ possessing a distinct vision.

“A capable coach with defined ideas,” Huijsen commented. “We all recognize his past achievements and current status.

“He has achieved significant success as both a coach and a player. We share a collective sense of excitement.”