Real Madrid reveal return date for Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been missing in the club’s first two games at the Club World Cup in the United States due to illness, and has now been ruled out to recover in time to play in their final fixture against Salzburg on Friday.

Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso has indicated that the French star will not feature in their final group stage encounter against the Austrian giants, as he continues his comeback from illness.

The France captain has reportedly lost 5kg while in hospital with gastroenteritis and only joined his team-mates in training again on Wednesday.

After a 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in their first game, Madrid bounced back in the second group match-up against Mexican giants Pachuca, confidently hitting three past them to prove a point.

In his absence, the Spanish giants are in a commanding position to top Group H and can claim first place by beating Salzburg on Friday.

Madrid will have to do it without Mbappe, however, as manager Alonso is instead targeting the last 16 for the 26-year-old’s return.

Alonso told reporters: “It [Wednesday] was his first day back in boots, his first day running a little, and he did well. But he’s not fully recovered yet.

“We talked about it after training, and he prefers to rest and recover properly for when we go through.

“And if we make it to the round of 16, he’ll be available, but he was still in the recovery process and wasn’t perfect for tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Madrid have managed to get goals even in Mbappe’s absence. Alonso has turned to 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia to lead the line.

The young Spaniard has responded with a goal and an assist in his two appearances and could get the chance to add to that tally with another start against Salzburg.