The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has already delivered some electrifying moments, and now all eyes are on the blockbuster quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on July 5 at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But there\u2019s one burning question on every fan\u2019s mind\u2014will Kylian Mbapp\u00e9 finally start?<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old French superstar was ruled out of the group stage due to a nasty bout of gastroenteritis that even landed him in the hospital. He missed all three games against Al Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg, much to the disappointment of Madridistas eagerly waiting for his debut in the Club World Cup.<\/p>\n
But there was a glimmer of hope in the round of 16.<\/p>\n
Mbapp\u00e9 finally made his first appearance in the tournament during Madrid\u2019s narrow 1-0 win over Juventus on July 1 in Miami. Coming off the bench in the 68th minute, he looked sharp\u2014completing 16 of his 17 passes and creating two solid chances. He didn\u2019t score, but it was enough to remind everyone what he\u2019s capable of.<\/p>\n
Since then, it\u2019s been a waiting game. Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has been careful not to rush his star man back into the starting XI. At a press conference on July 4, Alonso gave fans a sliver of hope:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019s getting better. He\u2019s been improving over the last three days. Tomorrow morning we will be deciding if he will be part of the initial 11.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In other words\u2014Mbapp\u00e9 is close, but it\u2019s not a done deal just yet.<\/p>\n
Is Mbapp\u00e9 Starting or Not?<\/h2>\n
According to Spanish outlets like @elchiringuitotv<\/em> and @MadridUniversal<\/em>, Mbapp\u00e9 is likely<\/strong> to start. He\u2019s reportedly been going all-in during training sessions, even getting into a fiery exchange with Alonso during one of them\u2014a sign of how badly he wants to be on that pitch from the first whistle.<\/p>\n
Still, Alonso isn\u2019t one to bow to reputation. Nico Garc\u00eda has been in excellent form in Mbapp\u00e9\u2019s absence, and with the sweltering U.S. summer heat in play, the coaching staff might be cautious about starting Mbapp\u00e9 if he\u2019s not fully match-fit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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