Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalised in the United States after coming down with a severe stomach bug, the Spanish club confirmed on Thursday.
In an official statement, the club said: “Kylian Mbappe is suffering from an acute case of gastroenteritis and has been admitted to hospital to undergo several tests and receive appropriate treatment.”
The French star was absent from Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Saudi side Al-Hilal on Wednesday, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The match also marked new head coach Xabi Alonso’s debut in charge of Los Blancos.
Alonso had noted on Tuesday that Mbappe was “feeling a little better” after battling illness in the days leading up to the game in Miami.
In Mbappe’s absence, 21-year-old Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia started and netted the opening goal against Al-Hilal.
Real Madrid’s next Group H fixture is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, when they face Mexican side Pachuca in Charlotte.
Despite finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with 31 goals and winning the European Golden Shoe in his debut season, Mbappe’s efforts weren’t enough to secure a major trophy for Madrid last season.
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