Kylian Mbappe has resumed training after illness ruled him out of Real Madrid’s Club World Cup matches, boosting hopes ahead of the Salzburg showdown

Mbappe returns to training with Real Madrid following a brief illness that sidelined him from the team’s opening Club World Cup matches in the United States.

Also read: Mbappe’s hat-trick stuns Manchester City as Real Madrid advance in Champions League

The Spanish club confirmed on Wednesday that the French forward rejoined the squad for workouts at their Florida base before heading to Philadelphia for the final Group H clash.

Mbappe had been hospitalised last Thursday after suffering from gastroenteritis, which kept him out of the 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal and the 3-1 win over Mexico’s Pachuca.

Though his absence was a setback, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso remained optimistic about the player’s recovery. “He is doing better, he is recovering,” Alonso assured after the Pachuca match.

Photographs shared by the club on Wednesday showed Mbappe training with teammates, signalling a likely return to action as Madrid prepare to face Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg.

The match is pivotal, with a win needed to seal the top spot in Group H. Even a draw will guarantee Real Madrid a place in the tournament’s last 16.

The return of Mbappe is timely, as Madrid eye a strong finish in the group stage. Since signing from Paris Saint-Germain last year, the 25-year-old has scored 43 goals in 56 appearances for Los Blancos.

His most recent outing came for France in a UEFA Nations League encounter against Germany on 8 June, where he netted in a 2-0 away win.

With potential last 16 opponents including Manchester City and Juventus, Madrid are looking to build momentum and will be boosted by Mbappe’s return. His presence not only lifts morale but also adds a lethal edge to Madrid’s attacking front.

Also read: Former Real Madrid defender Pepe tips Barcelona as Copa del Rey favourites

Mbappe’s recovery and readiness to feature will be assessed before Thursday’s match, but signs suggest the star forward may be set for at least a substitute appearance as Real aim for a decisive result.