MADRID (BN24) — Kylian Mbappé has resumed full training with Real Madrid after recovering from a bout of gastroenteritis that sidelined him for the Spanish club’s opening two matches at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 26-year-old French star, who reportedly lost nearly five kilograms during his illness, had been hospitalized but is now back in contention for Madrid’s next group stage match. His return offers a major boost to manager Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of their early Friday morning fixture against Red Bull Salzburg.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Mbappé rejoined team activities this week and is being closely monitored as Madrid assesses his fitness. The club has yet to confirm whether he will be included in the matchday squad, but his return to training suggests he could be ready to feature in some capacity.
Mbappé last appeared on the pitch earlier this month during international duty with France, where he scored twice to help Les Bleus secure third place in the UEFA Nations League.
In his absence, Real Madrid managed a 1-1 draw against Saudi side Al-Hilal and secured a 2-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca, earning four points from two matches in Group H. Madrid needs a win against Salzburg to guarantee top spot in the group, although a draw may suffice if Al-Hilal fail to defeat Pachuca.
The Club World Cup has offered Alonso an opportunity to rotate his squad, but with a place in the knockout stage on the line, Mbappé’s potential return adds star power to an already high-stakes encounter.
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward, who made headlines with his high-profile summer move to Madrid, is expected to play a central role in the club’s ambitions at the tournament if fully fit. His recovery and return could not have come at a more pivotal moment.
