Real Madrid will play against Pachuca in an important Club World Cup group match without their star player, Kylian Mbappé, who is out because of a bad stomach illness. With a chance to qualify at stake and their offence slowed down, Madrid’s hopes in the tournament are now very fragile. Yes, that’s true – the French star won’t even go.
Mbappé Misses Key CWC Clash
Kylian Mbappé will miss Real Madrid’s second group-stage match of the Club World Cup against Mexican side Pachuca due to acute gastroenteritis. The illness had already ruled him out of Madrid’s opener against Al-Hilal.
Now, the French forward continues his recovery in Florida, far from the team’s battlefield in Charlotte. His absence leaves a significant void in Madrid’s attack as they aim to rebound from a frustrating 1-1 draw in their opener.
The stakes couldn’t be higher – another slip-up, and Los Blancos could be staring at early elimination.
Sick Mbappe Out Of Second Real Madrid Club World Cup Clashhttps://t.co/dm3W0E4l6u pic.twitter.com/n7IhPCeofQ
— Channels Television (@channelstv) June 21, 2025
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[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Madrid’s Medical Crisis: Mbappé Down, Stakes Up
According to reports, Mbappé completed just two training sessions before being struck down with a fever that led to a brief hospitalization. Though discharged swiftly, the forward has not yet recovered fully, training alone at the Four Seasons Resort gym in Palm Beach.
Likewise, he hasn’t rejoined group sessions, making him unfit for travel or selection. Madrid, currently second in Group H, cannot afford another flat performance.
Their upcoming clash against Pachuca – who are bottom after a 2-1 loss to Salzburg – is a must-win. Anything less than three points could drag Madrid into a dangerous corner heading into their final fixture.
[TRENDING] Who Starts, Who Sits? Lineups and Tactical Shakeups
With Mbappé out, Xabi Alonso is expected to stick with Gonzalo Garcia upfront after a promising display against Al-Hilal. Real Madrid are also managing multiple injuries.
Ferland Mendy, Endrick, Camavinga, and Carvajal are all unavailable, while Rüdiger has a slim chance to return. Meanwhile, Pachuca are likely to field the same XI that narrowly lost to Salzburg.
Veteran Salomón Rondón leads the line, with former Chelsea man Kenedy offering width.
Predicted Lineups:
| Real Madrid | Pachuca |
| Courtois | Moreno |
| Alexander-Arnold | Rodriguez |
| Asencio | Bauermann |
| Huijsen | Pereira |
| F. Garcia | Gonzalez |
| Valverde | Montiel |
| Tchouameni | Pedraza |
| Bellingham | Palavecino |
| Rodrygo | Dominguez |
| G. Garcia | Rondon |
| Vinicius | Kenedy |
Amit Mishra’s Take: Mbappé’s Absence – Blessing or Breaking Point?
As a writer and die-hard football journalist and enthusiast:
Positives:
- Mbappé not being there makes Madrid change, giving players like Gonzalo Garcia and Huijsen a chance to shine more.
- It also checks Xabi Alonso’s strategy skills early in his time at Real Madrid.
Negatives:
- Let’s be honest – removing Mbappé from this side is like taking the engine out of a Ferrari. Without his pace and precision, Madrid looked pedestrian in the final third.
- The timing couldn’t be worse. With group standings hanging in the balance, Real need goals, not gaps.
Madrid must now answer tough questions on the pitch without their star to lean on. Whether this becomes a turning point or a warning sign depends on what happens at the Bank of America Stadium this Sunday.
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