Kylian Mbappé Sidelined by Illness, Hospitalized During Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Run

Soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé was noticeably absent from Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener on Wednesday, leaving fans buzzing with concern. The club dropped a bombshell Thursday, revealing that the 26-year-old star is sidelined in a hospital bed, battling a nasty case of acute gastroenteritis. This stomach bug, a far cry from a mere flu, has Mbappé undergoing a battery of tests to determine the best course of treatment. While Real Madrid’s draw against Al Hilal was a gritty affair, the absence of their star striker was keenly felt, with coach Xabi Alonso admitting the illness hit harder than expected.

Mbappé, who’s been lighting up the pitch with 43 goals in 56 appearances during his debut season with the Spanish giants, first felt the gut punch of symptoms on Monday, missing practice by Tuesday. The team held out hope he’d rally for the game, but the bug had other plans. Now, with a crucial match against Pachuca looming on Sunday, Mbappé’s return remains a question mark. As he recovers, the French phenom is already eyeing redemption at next year’s FIFA World Cup after France’s heartbreaking 2022 final loss to Argentina. Here’s hoping Mbappé’s back to bending defenses soon, not just hospital sheets.