Why is Kylian Mbappe not playing in Salzburg vs Real Madrid in FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Kylian Mbappe has not been named in Real Madrid’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H match against Red Bull Salzburg in Philadelphia, USA on Thursday.
The match marks the third consecutive match as manager of former Real Madrid midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who has taken over from Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid, among the favourites to win the tournament, qualified by clinching the UEFA Champions League titles in 2021-22 and 2023-24, most recently defeating Borussia Dortmund to claim a record-extending 15th European crown.
WHY IS KYLIAN MBAPPE NOT PLAYING IN REAL MADRID VS PACHUCA?
Kylian Mbappe has been left out of the Real Madrid squad for Thursday’s final Club World Cup group game against Red Bull Salzburg, despite returning to training following illness.
The French superstar did not feature in the list of 23 players named by coach Xabi Alonso and published by the club for the match in Philadelphia, in which the two teams are targeting a place in the last 16.
Mbappe had returned to training on Wednesday after missing Real’s first two matches at the tournament in the United States due to illness.
He was taken to hospital last Thursday for tests and treatment after suffering gastroenteritis, before later being released.
He played no part in Real’s opening game, a 1-1 draw with Saudi side Al-Hilal in Miami, or the 3-1 defeat of Mexico’s Pachuca at the weekend.
