Real Madrid’s trip to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States has been anything but smooth for Kylian Mbappe and not because of opponents. The 26-year-old Galáctico has spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, thanks to a nasty bout of gastroenteritis that even saw him briefly hospitalised. Yep, Mbappe’s Club World Cup campaign was KO’d by a stomach bug before it even started.
Kylian Mbappe Returns Back To Real Madrid Training
Mbappe has now missed both of Madrid’s Group H clashes, against Al-Hilal and Pachuca, and while the rest of the squad is back grinding under Xabi Alonso’s orders, the French superstar is still working solo. According to MARCA, he’s returned to the training base, but it’s all gym time for now. No balls, no boots, no Mbappe magic yet.
But there’s hope. Alonso hinted pre-Pachuca that Mbappe could return for the final group stage game against RB Salzburg this week. And based on how things are shaping up, that comeback is inching closer. The captain of Les Bleus is reportedly recovering well and targeting the Salzburg clash to reignite his scoring streak.
Mbappe bagged the Pichichi and Golden Boot with 43 goals in the regular season
Before this frustrating illness, Mbappe was a man on a mission, having bagged the Pichichi and Golden Boot with 43 goals in the regular season. He came into the Club World Cup eyeing the 50-goal mark but those plans got flushed away, quite literally.
In his absence though, young blood has stepped up. Enter Gonzalo Garcia, the Castilla kid who’s suddenly stealing headlines. He scored the winner against Al-Hilal and dished out an assist against Pachuca. If anyone’s making the most of Mbappe’s gastro-gate, it’s this lad.
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Still, let’s be honest, this Real Madrid side hits a whole different gear when Mbappe is on the pitch. Once he’s back on the team sheet, expect fireworks, goals, and a whole lot of defenders praying for the final whistle. Also Read- Barcelona Beat Porto To Sign Roony Bardghji for €2.5M: Third Summer Signing Confirmed
