Real Madrid may have to kick off their Club World Cup campaign without star forward Kylian Mbappé, who missed training due to illness ahead of their opening match against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
The game, set to take place at Hard Rock Stadium, marks the debut of new head coach Xabi Alonso on the Real Madrid bench. However, Alonso might be without several key players for the Group H clash.
Alongside Mbappé, defender Antonio Rüdiger and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga are also doubts for the fixture.
“Kylian was feeling a little better this morning, but not enough. It’s very hot, and it was better that he didn’t train. But we will wait until the last moment. “Tomorrow morning we will decide,” said Alonso.
“Rudiger made a brutal effort this season, and I don’t know if he will be called up tomorrow, but he is progressing well and will be the first to return. Camavinga is also improving quickly, but he needs time,” he added.
Al Hilal will also see a new face on the touchline, as Italian manager Simone Inzaghi takes charge following his move from Inter Milan, where he led the club to the Champions League final.
With Inzaghi yet to oversee a match for Al Hilal, Alonso admitted preparing for the encounter is challenging due to the uncertainty surrounding their tactics.
“We have to prepare for the game in the best possible way. They will be a tough opponent, without a doubt. But it’s time to focus on ourselves. They haven’t made their debut with Inzaghi yet, so we don’t know how they will play.
“We have to have hunger to win, to compete, to want to play well. We have to mix a lot of things, but that self-love, that feeling of team, that defending the badge… The team already has it, but we have to work on it. We must be a team,” he said.
Alonso also addressed the situation at right-back, where veteran Dani Carvajal faces competition from new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently joined from Liverpool.
“It is a privilege to have such top players. Trent is more flexible in positions, but Carva has a lot of personality and competitiveness. The initial impact of Trent has been very good.”
Asked about Jude Bellingham’s role in the team, Alonso was optimistic, suggesting the England international might be more effective in central midfield.
“Jude has the ability to cover a lot of the pitch. He has the soul of a midfielder, he likes to participate, but he has the great quality to arrive. The important thing is the starting point. Finding him in the right places is going to help us because he has impressive qualities,” he said.
Alonso also spoke fondly about working with veteran Luka Modrić, who is nearing the end of his time at the club.
“It’s easy with him. We always had a great relationship, friends, and now coach-player. I like his relationship with the younger ones; he is a very good influence. We want to enjoy him in these weeks. He’s a player of the era; being able to squeeze him a little more will be a luxury,” he said.
