A big possibility - Alonso gives update on Mbappe ahead of Juventus Club World Cup tie

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe is set to make his Club World Cup debut against Juventus.

Mbappe is poised to make his much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup debut for Real Madrid as the Spanish giants prepare to face Juventus in a high-stakes Round of 16 clash at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The 26-year-old French superstar had been sidelined for all three of Madrid’s group stage matches due to a serious bout of acute gastroenteritis, which at one point required hospitalisation.

However, the former PSG forward has now recovered and is back in full training, raising hopes that he will finally feature under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Speaking to reporters, Alonso confirmed that Mbappe’s return is imminent, though he stopped short of confirming a starting role.

“Kylian is doing well now and we are speaking every single day. We will talk to him in the morning to make the final decision,” Alonso said.

He added, “It’s a big possibility that he makes his Club World Cup debut, though. I don’t know how much, but it’s a big possibility.”

The match against Juventus marks the biggest test yet in Xabi Alonso’s early days as Real Madrid boss, and he’s well aware of the expectations that come with managing the most decorated club in football history.

“Every single match is now all or nothing. It’s a huge match and we have been prepping for the last few weeks to be ready.

“We are at the knockout stage now, last 16 against a top team like Juve, so we will have to have a very complete performance to go through, Alonso said.

He added that while the Club World Cup may differ from La Liga or Champions League battles, the pressure at Real Madrid never lets up.

“This is a very different competition to those we normally play in, but Real Madrid is very demanding and you are expected to win.

“This is our third week together. I am pumped, very excited, but there are so many things that you have to manage—footballers, staff, expectations—based on trust for the future,” he concluded.

Mbappe scored 43 goals across all competitions in his debut season and helped Real claim both the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup.