Mbappé vs Dortmund: Doubtful start? Alonso defines Real Madrid’s lineup

Kylian Mbappé’s participation in the upcoming Club World Cup quarter-final match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund is still uncertain, according to coach Xabi Alonso. The French striker is in the process of recovering after suffering from gastroenteritis. Mbappé, who made his tournament debut on Tuesday, contributed to Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Juventus, a result that secured their place in the quarter-finals. The player had missed the entire group stage.

He is improving. He has progressed in the last three days. Tomorrow morning we will decide if he will be part of the starting eleven.

Xabi Alonso

The forward came on as a substitute in the second half of the match against Juventus in Miami, where the Spanish team also won 1-0. His entry onto the field was met with an ovation that showed his global popularity in the tournament held in the United States. During the tournament, Mbappé was briefly hospitalized and isolated from the team while recovering.

In the absence of Mbappé, Gonzalo García has taken on an important role in the team. The 21-year-old player, trained in the youth academy, has stood out with three goals, including Tuesday’s winning goal, and an assist so far in the competition. I think (García and Mbappé) could complement each other and if it’s something that’s required, it’s not something I’m going to ignore. On Saturday, Real Madrid will face a Borussia Dortmund in good form, after their 2-1 victory against Monterrey, which secured them a place in the quarter-finals.

Dortmund is a very good team. As soon as (the coach Niko Kovac) took over, they were growing and developing and on the rise. We are facing a difficult opponent… Tomorrow is going to be close.

Xabi Alonso