PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — There’s a possibility Real Madrid will begin the FIFA Club World Cup without its biggest star.
French World Cup champion Kylian Mbappé did not practice with his teammates Tuesday because of a fever, a Real Madrid spokesman told USA TODAY Sports.
New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso will have a press conference Tuesday afternoon, and will likely address Mbappe’s condition before the club’s opener in the tournament.
Real Madrid will play against Saudi Arabian standouts Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.
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Mbappe is undoubtedly the biggest star in the Club World Cup field outside of Argentine World Cup champion and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.
If Mbappe is unable to play, Real Madrid will rely on a slew of other stars like Brazilian standouts Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, English star Jude Bellingham and Croatian Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modrić.
Real Madrid newcomers center back Dean Huijsen (Spain) and right back Trent Alexander-Arnold (England) practiced Tuesday, and could make their club debuts Wednesday.
Real Madrid and Al Hilal are in Group H of the Club World Cup with Mexican standouts Pachuca and FC Red Bull Salzburg from Austria.