One in, one out: Kylian Mbappe returns for 2025 FIFA Club World Cup – But Real Madrid hit with new injury blow

Just as one star prepares for his comeback, another has been ruled out—again—with a serious injury that further complicates manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.

Real Madrid’s march through the Club World Cup group stage has been nearly flawless, finishing top of Group H after a convincing 3-0 victory over Salzburg. Kylian Mbappe, who had been sidelined for the final group match, is now close to returning and is expected to be available for the Round of 16 clash against Juventus on July 1. However, just as one star prepares for his comeback, another has been ruled out—again—with a serious injury that further complicates manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.

Mbappe, who netted 43 goals across all competitions in the 2024-25 season, was rested for the final group match as a precaution, with the club choosing not to rush his recovery.

“It was his first day back in boots, his first day running a little, and he did well,” Alonso said of Mbappe. “But he’s not fully recovered yet. We talked about it after training, and he prefers to rest and recover properly for when we go through.”

His absence didn’t hinder Madrid’s progress. The win over Salzburg secured first place in the group, ensuring a more favorable draw for the knockout stages. Yet while fans were celebrating the likely return of Mbappe, they were blindsided by another troubling update.

Devastating setback for Madrid’s defensive unit

It has now been confirmed that David Alaba, the versatile Austrian defender, has suffered a fresh muscular injury to his left soleus muscle, dealing a crushing blow to his already turbulent season. This news comes as the 33-year-old was finally nearing a return following a year-long recovery from a torn ACL suffered in December 2023.

“Following medical tests performed on our player David Alaba by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the soleus muscle of his left leg. Evolution pending,” Real Madrid said in an official statement.

According to COPE’s Arancha Rodríguez, Alaba is expected to be sidelined for about a month, ruling him out for the rest of the Club World Cup and possibly impacting his availability for the preseason.

Pattern of misfortune

This latest injury is just the latest chapter in Alaba’s ongoing battle with fitness. Since joining Real Madrid, he has suffered twelve different injuries, with setbacks ranging from adductor problems to meniscus tears, and the severe ACL rupture that initially derailed his 2023-24 campaign.

His playing time last season was limited to just 599 minutes over 14 matches, making only seven starts. Although he began light training earlier this summer and was eyeing a return to competitive action, the Austrian international has once again been forced onto the sidelines.