Real Madrid Weigh Mbappé, Gonzalo Garcia Roles FIFA Club World Cup

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso faces a key decision ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain regarding whether Kylian Mbappé will start, as the French forward continues to recover from acute gastroenteritis and is not yet at full fitness. Mbappé has made substitute appearances and scored a crucial overhead kick, but Alonso emphasized the need for the striker to prove his readiness before starting, with a final decision expected shortly before the match. In Mbappé’s absence, 21-year-old academy product Gonzalo García has emerged as a top performer, scoring multiple goals and impressing staff and fans alike, leading Real Madrid to reconsider plans to recruit a new backup striker. Alonso acknowledged García’s strong form and noted the possibility of pairing him with Mbappé if needed, underscoring the depth Real Madrid now has in attack. The team remains unbeaten in the Club World Cup and is preparing for a tough clash with PSG, the reigning European champions. This situation highlights the balance Alonso must strike between managing Mbappé’s fitness and capitalizing on García’s breakthrough performances.