Kylian Mbappe misses training ahead of Real Madrid's Club World Cup opener amid health concerns

Head coach Xabi Alonso indicated that a final decision on the star forward's participation in Wednesday's game against Al Hilal at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium will be made shortly.

Speaking to the media, Alonso said: "Kylian felt a bit better this morning but not enough. The heat is intense, so we will assess his condition tomorrow and decide accordingly."

Mbappe, who scored 43 goals across all competitions last season, has been a key figure for Real Madrid, and his availability is crucial as the club aims to start their new campaign on a positive note under Alonso's management.

In addition to Mbappe, the squad is managing multiple fitness concerns. Antonio Rudiger remains in recovery, while Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao are also sidelined. Alonso commented on their statuses, stating: "Rudiger has worked hard in his recovery and may be ready soon, but we will take a cautious approach with the others. Camavinga is progressing faster than expected, while Carvajal and Militao require more time."

The Club World Cup presents an early opportunity for Xabi Alonso to secure silverware in his debut managerial stint at Real Madrid. The squad has been bolstered by recent signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, the latter describing Alonso as "a good coach with clear ideas" and expressing enthusiasm about working with the former player and experienced manager.

The tournament has also drawn attention due to extreme weather conditions. Miami's heat and humidity - forecasted to reach 32 degrees celsius with 70 percent humidity - pose challenges for players and coaches alike. FIFA's scheduling has been scrutinized by the world players' union FIFPRO, which has urged for enhanced heat mitigation measures, including mandatory cooling breaks, adjusted kickoff times, and potential postponements to protect player welfare.

Currently, matches include one mandatory water break per half, but concerns remain about player safety amid dense schedules and intense climates.

Real Madrid's first Club World Cup match kicks off at 3pm ET, with all eyes on the fitness of their key players, particularly Mbappe, as they seek to start their tournament campaign strongly.

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