Kylian Mbappe return lifts Real Madrid ahead of Juventus clash

Kylian Mbappe is ready to give Real Madrid a major lift in their Club World Cup campaign as he nears a return just in time for their knockout showdown with Juventus.

The French forward has been absent for all three of Madrid’s group stage matches due to gastroenteritis, a setback that saw him lose nearly five kilos.

Although he began training earlier in the week, he was left out of the squad for the match against RB Salzburg as a precaution.

Spanish outlet AS reports that Mbappe was back in training on Friday in Palm Beach, joining the group of players who didn’t start against Salzburg.

The 26-year-old is now expected to go through three more training sessions before Tuesday’s high-stakes clash.

His presence was felt on the pitch as he trained with intensity and shared smiles with teammate Eduardo Camavinga, who is also recovering.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is hopeful of having his star man back in the squad for the knockout round, adding firepower to their push for Club World Cup glory.