It was to be the major attraction of the tournament. The one of which each touch of the ball would make the American crowds get up. Kylian Mbappé, tricolor hero and New Star from Real Madrid, started the club World Cup with the ambition to ignite the planetary scene. But on the eve of the first Merengues match against Al-Hilal, a shadow came to tarnish this perfect decor: the French striker is sick and uncertain for the entry of his team.
According to several sources close to the club, the captain of the Blues had felt a strong fever after the session on Monday. Direct consequence: he did not participate in collective training this Tuesday. An absence sufficiently disturbing to have doubts about his participation in Wednesday's match against the Saudis. Real Madrid is careful not for any hasty comments, but the signs do not deceive. Xabi Alonso, for its great first on the Madrid bench, could be deprived of its best offensive asset.
Feverish, uncertain Mbappé for al-Hilal
Mbappé wants to make history … but will have to wait
This setback is all the more frustrating for the player he had checked this competition in his calendar. During his last conference with the Blues, Mbappé had hammered that the season was not over, insisting on the importance of this club World Cup. With already 43 goals this season, the number 9 of Real hoped to strike hard from the first match, to ward off a disappointing collective season – marked by Liga and the Champions League failures.
Mbappé knows that each performance counts, especially in a year so dense in events. Between Dembélé's performances or the rise of Lamine Yamal, the competition promises to be fierce for the next Ballon d'Or. In the event of a package on Wednesday, he will fortunately have the match against Pachuca on Sunday to make up for lost time. This little stop, if it is well managed, could even allow it to come back stronger, cooler, and more decisive. An evil for a good?
