In the lead-up to the match, Mbappé had been held out of training due to an illness and fever. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wanted to play it safe with the superstar (who had also recently played in the UEFA Nations League for France). Alonso did say that the club would wait to see how Mbappé felt on Wednesday and make a decision.

Kylian Mbappé was sidelined for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener on Wednesday as the star forward recovers from an illness.

Real Madrid will have to play their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal without Kylian Mbappé. The France international is not available to play in Xabi Alonso’s debut on the touchline due to sickness.