Real Madrid Gears Up for RB Salzburg Clash Without Key Forward

PHILADELPHIA: Real Madrid will face RB Salzburg in their final Club World Cup group-stage match this Thursday. However, they will be without Kylian Mbappe, as confirmed by coach Xabi Alonso on Wednesday.

The French international was hospitalized in the Miami area last Wednesday and subsequently discharged on Thursday, having been isolated from the rest of the squad last Tuesday.

Since his release, the Los Blancos attacker has been undergoing solo workouts in the gym as part of his recuperation.

Due to his recovery, Mbappe was absent from Real Madrid’s initial two contests: a 1-1 stalemate with Al-Hilal and a 3-1 victory over Pachuca.

According to club manager Alonso, despite Mbappe’s progress, he will not participate in the Salzburg game but is anticipated to be available for the knockout stages, assuming the team advances.

“He’s taken his first steps back on the field, running lightly, which is encouraging. However, he hasn’t fully recuperated,” Alonso stated.

“Following training, we discussed his condition, and he decided it’s best to rest and recover thoroughly for the next phase. If we reach the round of 16, he should be ready. But as of now, he’s still in recovery and not quite ready for tomorrow,” he elaborated.

Alonso emphasized that the decision to exclude Mbappe from Thursday’s match was made to prioritize his complete recovery.

Currently, Madrid leads Group H with four points, narrowly edging out Salzburg on goal difference. Al-Hilal trails with two points, while Pachuca is yet to score.

Alonso, who recently took over as Los Blancos’ manager after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, stated that the team has two objectives for Thursday’s game: to secure a victory and claim the top spot in their group.

“Our primary aim is to win and secure first place in the group. Secondly, we need to keep developing as a team as we prepare for the knockout rounds,” Alonso added.

Addressing the possibility of facing Manchester City in the round of 16, Alonso dismissed the notion of calculating potential outcomes at this stage.

“Calculating scenarios now would be unwise. Our only focus is on finishing first and giving our utmost. We are determined to win,” Alonso concluded.