Xabi Alonso ‘optimistic’ about Mbappé’s return against Juventus | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé hasn’t yet featured in the Club World Cup, but Xabi Alonso is ‘optimistic’ about the France forward’s return against Juventus on Tuesday.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is confident that Mbappé will be available for his first Club World Cup appearance on Tuesday, July 1, when the Merengues meet Juventus in the Round of 16.

Why Mbappé hasn’t yet played for Real Madrid at Club World Cup

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 11: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Jude Bellingham during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Mbappé hasn’t yet featured in the competition, having been hospitalised with gastroenteritis last week.

Vinicius Junior has scored one goal and provided one assist in three appearances in the Club World Cup, and Xabi Alonso was asked whether Mbappé could join the Brazilian in the Real Madrid attack in the next match.

Xabi Alonso confident about Mbappé’s return

Bayer Leverkusen’s Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso looks on ahead of kick-off in the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

“They can do it, Vini from the outside, Kylian from the inside… It’s not mutually exclusive; things can work, there’s individual quality, but we need the team to function. All together, not one, one, one,” said Xabi Alonso, via Goal.com.

“We want [Mbappe] back, we expect him to be in the best possible shape. I can’t say he’ll play, but we’re optimistic for Tuesday.”

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Pierre Kalulu #15 of Juventus FC reacts after conceding an own goal scored for Manchester City’s second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Real Madrid won Group H, collecting seven points, while Juventus finished second in Group G with six points.

The Bianconeri won the first two matches against Al Ain and Wydad, but lost 5-2 to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in their final group stage game on Thursday.