Mbappé's Status Unclear for Club World Cup Quarterfinal; Alonso Weighs Starting Role

Mbappé's Fitness in Question as Real Madrid Prepares for Club World Cup Quarterfinal

Kylian Mbappé's availability for Real Madrid's Club World Cup quarterfinal clash against Borussia Dortmund remains uncertain, according to coach Xabi Alonso. The French forward is still recovering from gastroenteritis, casting doubt on his participation in the crucial match.

Mbappé made his first appearance of the tournament on Tuesday, playing as Real Madrid narrowly defeated Juventus 1-0 to secure their place in the quarterfinals. He had previously missed the entire group stage due to illness.

"He's getting better. He's been improving over the last three days," Alonso told reporters at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday. "Tomorrow morning we will be deciding if he will be part of the initial 11."

Mbappé's second-half substitution in the 1-0 victory over Juventus in Miami was met with enthusiastic applause, highlighting his global popularity at the tournament hosted in the U.S. He was briefly hospitalized earlier in the competition and isolated from the team during his recovery.

In Mbappé's absence, Gonzalo García has stepped up, with the 21-year-old academy product scoring three goals, including Tuesday's winner, and providing an assist.

"I think (Garcia and Mbappé) could complement each other and if it's something that is required, it's not something I'm going to turn a blind eye to," said Alonso.

Real Madrid will face a strong Dortmund side in the quarterfinal, after they overcame a second-half comeback attempt from Monterrey to win 2-1 earlier this week.

"Dortmund is a very good team. As soon as (coach Niko Kovac) was at the helm, they were growing and developing and on the rise," said Alonso. "We are facing a tough opponent... It's gonna be tight tomorrow."