Real Madrid's star forward Kylian Mbappe is on the mend after a recent illness but will sit out the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup match against Pachuca. Manager Xabi Alonso provided an update on Mbappe's condition, expressing optimism about his return for the final group game against Red Bull Salzburg.

Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid from Paris St-Germain last summer, has been a pivotal player for the team, scoring 43 goals in 56 games across all competitions in his debut season. Despite his impressive performance, Real Madrid fell short in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey.

The 26-year-old was hospitalized with an acute case of gastroenteritis earlier this week but was discharged on Thursday. He has since returned to the club's training complex in Palm Beach. However, he did not travel with the team for the match against Pachuca scheduled for Sunday at 20:00 BST.

"He's better," Alonso said. "It's been two days since he came back from hospital. He's recovering, and day by day we're increasingly optimistic about him for the next match."

Mbappe's potential return against Red Bull Salzburg on Friday at 02:00 BST could provide a significant boost to Real Madrid as they aim to advance in the tournament. Fans and teammates alike will be eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch.

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