
Why isn't Kylian Mbappé playing in Real Madrid's Club World Cup opener
Why isn't Kylian Mbappé playing in Real Madrid's Club World Cup opener
Among the few draws for the inaugural expanded Club World Cup in the U.S. has been the opportunity to see some of the game's biggest stars playing competitive matches.
And while Real Madrid did indeed bring its top squad to the tournament, it will be without French superstar Kylian Mbappé for Wednesday's group match against Saudi side Al-Hilal at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
In the lead-up to the match, Mbappé had been held out of training due to an illness and fever. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wanted to play it safe with the superstar (who had also recently played in the UEFA Nations League for France). Alonso did say that the club would wait to see how Mbappé felt on Wednesday and make a decision.
When the lineups were released, though, Mbappé was left out of the squad entirely.
After Wednesday's opener, Real Madrid will play again on Sunday against Pachuca. We'll have to see if Mbappé becomes available for that one.
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