It's official now, the date when Mbappé will play for Real Madrid again

Real Madrid suffered an unexpected loss right before starting its journey in the Club World Cup: Kylian Mbappé. The "9" of the first team, in the days leading up to the world debut against Al-Hilal, reported having a high fever. It didn't seem like a particularly aggressive illness and everyone expected him to return for the match against Mexican side Pachuca.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The French striker was soon isolated in his hotel to avoid infecting his teammates, while his illness progressed. The French player was suffering from acute gastroenteritis that even led him to be admitted to a hospital in Florida to keep everything under control.

Now Kylian Mbappé, after that brief stay in an American hospital, has fully recovered from the illness. However, the toll taken during the past week has affected the French striker's body, and he isn't in top shape or in acceptable condition to return. The medical staff and fitness coaches are working hand in hand to remedy this significant setback.

This has been evident in the latest training sessions, where the French "9" is gradually regaining the pace his teammates keep under Xabi Alonso's orders. The main goal is to regain the weight lost during his illness, about 11 lbs. (5 kg), as well as the "energy" that has also disappeared.

He is getting closer

From the Valdebebas offices, a clear message has been sent: Kylian Mbappé's recovery shouldn't be rushed. The coaching staff shares the view of the Madrid leadership, so everyone is closely monitoring the French "9"'s progress. His work in training has reportedly been truly satisfactory, bringing him closer to his desired return.

It won't be in the match against RB Salzburg: Xabi Alonso himself confirmed it in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Austrian team's game. "He prefers to stay and recover well so that when we advance, and if we reach the round of 16, he'll be available. He's still in the recovery process, he's not perfect for tomorrow", stated the coach from Tolosa.

Given the situation, there are still a few days left before Kylian Mbappé returns to the field with Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso is significantly moving up the date of his return, but "he's still not recovered enough" to face RB Salzburg at Lincoln Financial Field tonight.

Real Madrid's coach has managed to successfully replace one of the key pieces of his starting eleven. The unexpected absence of Kylian Mbappé has found a direct response in the brilliant performance of Gonzalo García, standout performances that could not only change the future of the forward developed at La Fábrica.