Real Madrid may be without key striker Kylian Mbappé for their FIFA Club World Cup Group H opener against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium, as the Frenchman missed training due to illness. New head coach Xabi Alonso, making his debut, also faces potential absences of defender Antonio Rüdiger and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, both recovering from injuries. Alonso noted Mbappé felt slightly better but skipped training due to Miami’s heat, with a final decision on his participation to be made on match day. He described Rüdiger’s recovery as progressing well but uncertain for the game, while Camavinga needs more time. Al Hilal, led by new coach Simone Inzaghi, fresh from guiding Inter Milan to the 2025 Champions League final, poses an unpredictable challenge, with Alonso emphasizing the need for his team to focus on unity and hunger to defend the Real Madrid badge.
Alonso highlighted the tactical uncertainty posed by Inzaghi’s debut, stating, “We don’t know how they will play,” but urged his squad to prioritize their own performance. He addressed the competition at right-back between Dani Carvajal and new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, praising Carvajal’s competitiveness and Alexander-Arnold’s versatility, noting the latter’s strong initial impact. On Jude Bellingham, Alonso suggested a central midfield role suits the Englishman’s ability to cover the pitch and arrive in scoring positions, enhancing the team’s balance. He also expressed admiration for 39-year-old Luka Modrić, set to leave soon, calling him a “player of the era” and a positive influence on younger players. With Real Madrid aiming to reclaim the Club World Cup title they last won in 2022, the match against Al Hilal, who finished the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League with 82 points (Sofascore), tests Alonso’s squad depth amid injury concerns. Posts on X, like @ESPNFC and @MadridXtra, reflect fan anticipation for Alonso’s debut and concern over Mbappé’s availability.
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