Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe hospitalised, return unclear | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe’s Club World Cup campaign has been hit with an unexpected setback just days into the tournament.

The French star was hospitalised on Wednesday after falling ill with acute gastroenteritis, which forced him out of his team’s opener against Al-Hilal.

Real Madrid confirmed the 26-year-old forward was taken in for medical evaluation and treatment, with no firm timeline yet for his return.

Mbappe had begun feeling symptoms on Monday and sat out training the following day, prompting speculation about his availability for the midweek clash.

Manager Xabi Alonso initially downplayed concerns, suggesting on Tuesday that the forward ‘felt a bit better in the morning’, but also admitted the intense heat was proving a challenge.

By Wednesday night, it was clear Mbappe’s condition had not improved enough for him to feature.

Alonso later admitted: “He wasn’t doing well in the last two days – he’s sick.” He said that a decision on his participation against Pachuca on Sunday would be made at the last moment.

Madrid’s statement was brief but serious, confirming that their marquee signing has been admitted to hospital and is undergoing tests.

Mbappe featured for France in the Nations League earlier this month and showed no signs of physical discomfort, making his sudden illness all the more frustrating for the club.

Alonso handed a rare start to 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia in the Club World Cup opener. He responded by scoring in the 1-1 draw.

Garcia, who netted 25 times for Real Madrid Castilla last season, is clearly highly regarded, but it was not the way the manager would have hoped to have handed him his first competitive outing.

With matches against Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg still to come in the Club World Cup group stage, Madrid face a tight turnaround in hopes of getting their star player fit again.