French-Cameroonian Kylian Mbappe doubtful for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener

Real Madrid could be without star forward Kylian Mbappé for their FIFA Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday after the Frenchman missed training on Tuesday due to illness.

The 26-year-old, who has Cameroonian and Algerian heritage, is said to have woken up with a high fever, casting serious doubt over his availability for the clash at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

While the club has yet to issue a formal statement, internal sources suggest the technical team is preparing for the possibility of lining up without him.

Mbappé has been instrumental to Madrid’s campaign this season, scoring 31 goals in LaLiga following his blockbuster transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

His absence would be a major blow for Xabi Alonso’s side as they begin their quest for a sixth Club World Cup title.

Real Madrid’s attacking options have further thinned with Brazilian teenager Endrick also unavailable. The youngster, who was expected to feature in the tournament, suffered a leg muscle injury in last month’s LaLiga encounter against Sevilla and was not included in the squad that travelled to the United States.

The absence of both players means Alonso could be forced to turn to the likes of Brahim Díaz to lead the line against Al-Hilal.