Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized after suffering a severe bout of gastroenteritis, the Spanish club confirmed on Thursday. The illness has ruled the French star out of action during a critical period at the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States.
In an official statement, Real Madrid said, “Our player Kylian Mbappe is suffering from an acute case of gastroenteritis and has been admitted to hospital to undergo tests and receive the appropriate treatment.” The club did not disclose how long the forward is expected to remain in the hospital but emphasized that his recovery is being closely monitored.
The 26-year-old forward had already missed Real Madrid’s opening Club World Cup fixture against Saudi side Al-Hilal on Wednesday, a game that ended in a 1-1 draw. A club source told Reuters that Mbappe had been isolated from the rest of the squad since Tuesday, as a precautionary measure, and will not participate in the group stage of the tournament.
Mbappe’s absence has dealt a significant blow to Real Madrid’s hopes of claiming the Club World Cup title. The Frenchman, who joined the Spanish giants this year in a blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain, has been a vital figure in Madrid’s attacking setup. His pace, skill, and clinical finishing were expected to be key assets in the tournament.
Head coach Xabi Alonso had already hinted on Wednesday that Mbappe’s participation in the upcoming match against Mexico’s Pachuca was in serious doubt. That game is scheduled to take place this Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The sudden illness comes at a crucial time not only for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup ambitions but also for Mbappe’s personal form. The forward had been in excellent shape leading into the tournament, scoring regularly in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Medical experts say gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, can severely affect an athlete’s performance and stamina. While recovery from mild cases usually takes a few days, more serious infections like Mbappe’s can take longer, especially when dehydration and energy loss are factors.
Fans across the globe have flooded social media with well-wishes for the football icon, hoping to see him back on the pitch soon. Real Madrid supporters will be eager for his return as the team pushes to bring the Club World Cup title back to Spain.
As of now, no timeline has been officially provided for Mbappe’s return, and further updates are expected after additional medical evaluations are completed.
