Real Madrid boss Alonso confident of Mbappe return against Juventus

Xabi Alonso is optimistic Kylian Mbappe will be able to return from illness to play for Real Madrid in their Club World Cup last-16 clash with Juventus.

Mbappe has yet to play under new Madrid boss Alonso having missed the entire tournament to this point with gastroenteritis.

Madrid made sure of top spot in Group H on Thursday by beating Red Bull Salzburg 3-0, Vinicius Junior opening the scoring before teeing up Fede Valverde with a sublime backheel to make it 2-0. Gonzalo Garcia added a third late on.

After Vinicius’ starring role, Alonso was asked about the Brazilian and Mbappe playing together when Madrid face Juve on Tuesday.

“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,” Alonso told reporters. All together, not one, one, one.

“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.”

Of Vinicius’ backheel, Alonso said: “I’m not just impressed by the goal and the assist. I’m impressed by his defensive commitment.

“It’s allowed us to play together. In attack, he’s had more freedom in the center and not wide. Gonzalo makes the centre-backs work.

“I’m happy for Vini; it’s good to have a good feeling . We have to keep going; there’s still a long way to go.”