Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso says Kylian Mbappe will not play in their final Club World Cup group game against Salzburg on Friday.
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Mbappe back in Madrid trainingLost 5kg in hospitalCould return for last 16Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe will not take part in Real Madrid's final group stage game at the Club World Cup as he continues his comeback from illness. The France captain reportedly lost 5kg while in hospital with gastroenteritis and only joined his team-mates in training again on Wednesday.
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Mbappe missed two games while out with illness but Los Blancos are in a commanding position to top Group H and can claim first place by beating Salzburg. They'll have to do it without Mbappe, however, as manager Alonso is instead targeting the last 16 for his return.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT ALONSO SAID
Alonso told reporters: "It [Wednesday] was his first day back in boots, his first day running a little, and he did well. But he's not fully recovered yet.
"We talked about it after training, and he prefers to rest and recover properly for when we go through.
"And if we make it to the round of 16, he'll be available, but he was still in the recovery process and wasn't perfect for tomorrow."
DID YOU KNOW?
In Mbappe's absence, Alonso has turned to 21-year-old striker Gonzalo Garcia to lead the line. The young Spaniard has responded with a goal and an assist in his two appearances and could get the chance to add to that tally with another start against Salzburg.