Club World Cup: Mbappe Misses Training Again, Likely to Sit Out Real Madrid vs Pachuca Clash

Club World Cup: Mbappe Set to Miss Pachuca Clash as Recovery Continues in Miami.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is expected to sit out Sunday’s crucial Club World Cup Group H encounter against Mexican side Pachuca after missing team training for the second consecutive day, the club confirmed.

The 25-year-old French star is still recovering from a bout of acute gastroenteritis that required hospitalization earlier this week in Miami. Though discharged on Thursday, Mbappe has remained in isolation at the team hotel and did not travel with the squad to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Sunday’s match will be held at the Bank of America Stadium.

Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Hilal in their group opener, face a must-win scenario after RB Salzburg defeated Pachuca 2-1 and climbed to the top of Group H. In Mbappe’s absence, youngster Gonzalo García stepped up with an early goal in the previous match, though Ruben Neves equalized for Al Hilal from the penalty spot.

Head coach Xabi Alonso provided a hopeful update on Madrid’s marquee signing.
“He’s better. It’s been two days since he came back from the hospital. He’s recovering well, and we’re optimistic he might be back for the next match,” Alonso said, referencing a potential return against RB Salzburg in Madrid’s group-stage finale.

Madrid enter the Club World Cup looking to restore pride after a disappointing domestic season without silverware. The club’s off-season overhaul saw Alonso take over from Carlo Ancelotti and welcome new faces including Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and highly rated Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono, who is set to join in August.

Despite ongoing midfield reshuffle speculation, Alonso downplayed the idea of further signings:
“Right now, we’re focused on the Club World Cup. I’m confident in the midfield profiles we already have,” he said.

Madrid last faced Pachuca in December’s Intercontinental Cup final, cruising to a 3-0 win. But Sunday’s match poses new challenges—not least the expected 90°F (32°C) heat in Charlotte.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois voiced concern over the afternoon kickoff.
“When we play in Europe, matches are usually scheduled in the evening, especially in the summer. It’s not an excuse, but I don’t think playing at this time is ideal for player health,” he said. “I’d prefer evening games.”

With or without Mbappe, Madrid will need to dig deep as they chase their first major title of the season—and a spot in the Club World Cup knockout stage.