Xabi Alonso on Mbappé’s return for the FIFA Club World Cup: does not want to lead myself

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso still cannot say whether Kylian Mbappé will be available in the next round of the FIFA Club World Cup after missing all three group matches.

Mbappé was admitted to the hospital last week with acute gastro -centeritis and has not played a minute of the tournament so far.

Although he was back in the training, he was not even mentioned as a replacement for Thursday’s 3-0 win against RB Salzburg.

«I don’t want to be optimistic and for myself, but we need him because he is a top player, one of the best in the world. We hope he will be back soon,» Alonso said when he was asked about the availability of Mbappé for the round of 16 match against Juventus on Tuesday.

Mbappé is one of the biggest stars on the extensive club world cup that is being performed in the United States and his absence has been a blow to a FIFA president Gianni Infantino tournament wants to become one of the greatest events in sport.

Infantino managed to get Lionel Messi in the tournament when Inter Miami gained access, despite not winning the MLS Cup and encouraged teams to try to sign Cristiano Ronaldo during a specially created transfer window before the first game started this month.

Mbappé, together with Messi and Erling Haaland, is one of the best attractions, but his headlines are limited to problems outside the field.

In addition to his illness, he also made the news this week when he appeared that he had submitted a moral intimidation case against former Club Paris Saint-Germain. He was not satisfied with the way he was treated by this year’s Champions League winner when he was sidelined after his decision not to extend his contract with the club in 2023.

Mbappé is also at odds with PSG and claims that he owes 55 million euros ($ 61 million) to unpaid wages.

None of this helps Madrid’s offer to become the first team that has made the new FIFA Club World Cup and the Golden Trophy made up by Tiffany & Co.

The 26-year-old Mbappe was the top scorer of Madrid last season, with 43 goals in 56 performances.

He followed a specific medical treatment to recover from gastroenteritis, Madrid said, but missed two games since he was fired from the hospital.

«We need him and we want him back as quickly as possible and in the best possible state,» said Alonso.