The latest update on Mbappé: Xabi Alonso already knows if he will be able to play against Juve

Real Madrid have secured a ticket to the round of 16 without Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman hasn't been present due to a virus he suffered and has lost a few pounds (kilos). However, last Wednesday he was already seen training with the team and his return is getting closer and closer.

In fact, he's expected to get some minutes in the match against Juventus of Turin. The Bondy star will play in the round of 16, although it's possible he won't start. Nevertheless, seeing him included in the squad is always positive and means he's recovering in the best possible way.

Last night, the Merengue side played its best match with Xabi Alonso on the bench. The Donostiarra is gradually implementing his style and the feelings were very good. Madridists have more than enough reasons to be optimistic.

It's true that nobody should get ahead of themselves. This would be a serious mistake, since nothing has been won yet and there's still a lot of competition ahead. The club understands that fans may be excited, since against RB Salzburg they saw the best performance of the year.

The team's top scorer

The absence of the "9," as expected, is significant. After all, he's the team's top scorer and, along with Vinícius, its biggest star. Nobody disputes that he's the reference in attack, so the coaching staff and his teammates are waiting for him with open arms.

The Frenchman's journey at the White House hasn't been bad at all so far, although he wants to win major titles like this World Cup. People close to him insist that he hasn't had a good time these days. He's eager to be back on the field to try to do his part.

If Real Madrid keep advancing through the rounds in this World Cup, it's easy to think he'll end up being a starter. He's destined for the starting eleven and nobody questions his place in it.