Kylian Mbappé could return with Real Madrid on Thursday on the last hen game of the Club World Cup, scheduled against Salzburg (Friday at 3am in France). Absent during the first two games against Al-Hilal (1-1) and Pachuca (3-1), the French striker was the victim of an acute gastroenteritis which forced him to hospitalization. The 2018 world champion even spent one night in the hospital before finding the Madrid camp, where he continues his treatment.
Not available for the meeting against Pachuca on Sunday, the return of Mbappé seems to be closer. Xabi Alonso, the Madrid coach, was however cautious about his participation against the Austrians. “We will see, it is important that he goes well, we expect it”he said on Sunday evening at a press conference after the success against the Mexican club.
In his absence, the Spanish technician trusted the young Gonzalo Garcia, from the training center, to occupy the tip of the attack. Already a scorer against al-Hilal, Garcia distinguished himself on Sunday by delivering a decisive pass to Arda Güler, author of the second Madrid goal. Real had to compose without Mbappé but also in numerical inferiority for almost the whole match after the expulsion of Raul Asencio in the 7th minute.
Real Madrid optimistic
Despite this delicate context, the Madrids did not tremble.
“We have shown discipline and mastery without the ball. These goals gave us confidence. A victory that strengthens us “analyzed Xabi Alonso, satisfied with the performance of his players. “They have quality and their finish is fantastic”he added.
The return of the former Parisian could, however, make it possible to lighten the offensive weight currently weighing on the Merengues midfielder. In any case, optimism reigns on the side of Real Madrid. “It has been out of the hospital for two days. It is recovered and every day, we become more and more optimistic to recover it against Salzburg ”underlined his coach.
