Kylian Mbappe's Absence Shakes Real Madrid's Club World Cup Opener

Kylian Mbappe was notably absent from Real Madrid's Club World Cup opening match on Wednesday, as he recovers from a recent illness. The star forward was expected to play a critical role for the team.

Speaking before the game at Hard Rock Stadium, Coach Xabi Alonso revealed to DAZN that Mbappe was down with a fever. 'He was not feeling well,' Alonso said, adding that he hopes the player will return for the next fixture.

In the meantime, Real Madrid has reinforced their lineup with recent signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, who stepped up amid the absence of several key defenders. The duo, hailing from the Premier League, is set to support the Spanish giants against the Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

(With inputs from agencies.)