Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is likely to make his long-awaited debut for the club tonight as they take on Juventus in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Mbappé, who joined the Spanish giants earlier this year, has missed all three group-stage fixtures due to a bout of acute gastroenteritis. However, the French star is now fit and expected to feature in the crucial knockout tie at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Madrid’s squad has also been boosted by the return of defenders Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, both of whom have recovered from injuries.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Alonso stressed the importance of collective effort at this stage of the competition. “Everyone has to be ready — the starters and those on the bench. All eleven players must contribute, both on and off the ball,” he said.
The winner of tonight’s high-stakes fixture will advance to face either Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey, who play in Atlanta in the early hours of Wednesday.
