Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has been admitted to hospital with an acute case of gastroenteritis, the club confirmed on Thursday, after the France captain missed their Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal.
The 26-year-old had been absent from training on Tuesday due to a fever and subsequently played no part in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with the Saudi Arabian champions. A statement from Real said Mbappe is undergoing “a series of tests” as he recovers from the stomach infection.
Gastroenteritis is a common but potentially debilitating condition caused by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Mbappe’s availability for the Spanish side’s upcoming Group A fixture against Mexican outfit Pachuca on Sunday (20:00 BST) is now in serious doubt. His return may be delayed until Real’s final group match against Austrian side RB Salzburg on 26 June, depending on his recovery.
The French star has enjoyed an electric start to life in Spain since his summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having scored 43 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions in his debut campaign.
This season marks a new era for Los Blancos, with former midfielder Xabi Alonso taking charge following the departure of long-serving manager Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the La Liga campaign.
Real will be hoping their marquee forward can return in time to influence the latter stages of the Club World Cup, as they bid to cap off a successful transitional season with another trophy.