Real Madrid may be without striker Kylian Mbappe for their opening match in the Club World Cup against Al Hilal, a team from the Saudi Pro League, as the French player missed training due to illness.
New head coach Xabi Alonso will be making his debut on the Real bench for the Group H match at Hard Rock Stadium and could potentially be missing several key players.
Defender Antonio Rudiger and the versatile Eduardo Camavinga are also expected to be unavailable for the match against the Saudi side.
“Kylian was feeling a little better this morning, but not sufficiently. The heat is intense, and it was better for him not to train. However, we will wait until the last moment. Tomorrow morning we will make a decision,” Alonso stated.
“Rudiger has put in a tremendous effort this season, and I am uncertain if he will be included in the squad tomorrow, but he is making good progress and will be the first to return. Camavinga is also improving rapidly, but he requires more time,” he added.
Al Hilal will also have a new coach, with Italian Simone Inzaghi taking over after leading Inter Milan to the Champions League final.
Alonso remarked that the coaching change makes it challenging to predict what to expect from their opponents on Wednesday.
“We must prepare for the match in the best possible manner. They will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent. However, it is essential to concentrate on ourselves. They have not yet played their first match under Inzaghi, so we are uncertain about their style of play.
“We need to have the desire to win, to compete, and to play well. We must integrate various elements, but that self-love, that sense of team spirit, and the commitment to defend the badge… The team already possesses these qualities, but we need to cultivate them further. We must function as a cohesive unit,” he emphasized.
Alonso was inquired about the right-back position, where Dani Carvajal faces competition from new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined from Liverpool.
“It is a privilege to have such high-caliber players. Trent is more adaptable in various positions, but Carva possesses a great deal of personality and competitiveness. The initial impact of Trent has been very positive.”
Alonso was also asked for his thoughts on several players and unexpectedly…
