Real Madrid's Mbappe Misses Second Club World Cup Match Due Gastroenteritis

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe is set to miss the team's Club World Cup match against Pachuca due to acute gastroenteritis, having been hospitalized and later released but not fully recovered. Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that Mbappe, who also missed the opening game against Al-Hilal, will not travel with the team to Charlotte but is optimistic about his return for the final group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg. In Mbappe's absence, youth player Gonzalo Garcia started in the earlier match and scored against Al-Hilal, with Alonso praising his performance and indicating he may again fill in for the French forward. Real Madrid also faces absences with captain Dani Carvajal out due to a neck injury, although Antonio Rudiger is available after recovering from knee surgery. Mbappe finished last season as the European Golden Shoe winner with 43 goals in all competitions but has yet to help Real Madrid secure a major trophy. The team currently sits second in their group behind Salzburg following their draw with Al-Hilal and Salzburg's win over Pachuca.